Jan 31, 2010

Serenity Sunday

Healing

The stars are aligned
The moment is right
The timing is perfect
I'm ready for this fight


To send out this plague
Will take some energy
I'll need a few things
Thyme, clove, and rosemary


My hope is very simple
To heal and to cleanse
I need this now
I need to mend


So, those helping spirits
Shall hear my call
I'll force out this sickness
Once and for all


This is my goal
My real true wish
I need to heal
To feel unhindered bliss


This illness is a parasite
A dark blotch on my soul
I need to be healed
I need to become whole

Azariel Lavan


My List:

1.) My kids

2.) Therapy

3.) Great friends

4.) Herbal tea

5.) Foggy mornings

6.) Relaxing music

7.) Hot cinnamon rolls

8.) Deep thoughts

9.) Smiles

10.) Coloring books






Jan 30, 2010

Hungry Like A Wolf

January's full moon is also called the "Wolf Moon," according to Native American tradition associating this month's full moon with wolves howling in the cold midwinter. This full "Wolf Moon" will appear 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than any other full moon this year, because our cosmic neighbor will actually be closer to Earth than usual.


The moon will be at its closest perigee (the nearest it gets to our planet during its egg-shaped orbit) for this year at 4:04 a.m. ET Saturday, reaching a distance of 221,577 miles (356,593 kilometers) from Earth. At its farthest from Earth, the moon is said to be at apogee (the point in the orbit of a heavenly body, especially the moon or of a man-made satellite at which it is farthest from the earth.) Perigee and apogee each happen generally once a month but the moon's wobbly orbit means that the satellite's exact distance at each of those events varies over the year. The moon's phase can also be different during each apogee and perigee.

This month has the largest full moon of this year, because it coincides with the special moment when the full moon happens to occur on the same day as it is at perigee. I in a remarkable coincidence, Mars is at opposition tonight...(directly opposite to the sun in the sky)...so that as the sun sets in the southwest, Mars rises in the northeast.


Around opposition, the red planet gets closest to Earth. This year Mars swung by at just 61 million miles (98 million kilometers) on January 27, and it will still appear remarkably bright during tonight's sky show.  To the naked eye it will appear as a bright, orange-colored star right next to the full moon...the pair will jump out at you for sure.















Jan 29, 2010

Tea Blessing Meditation

The purpose of this blessing and meditation is to pay homage to Deity and to reflect on the blessings in your life.

~ Tea, looseleaf or bags
~ Cup and Tea Pot
~ Incense
~ Green and White Candle


Place and arrange the pot of brewed tea and cup on the table. Light candles and incense, fill the cup with the brewed tea.



BLESSING OF THE TEA:







Gracious Goddess,
You who are the Queen of the Gods,
The Lamp of Night,
The Creator of all that is wild and free
Mother of woman and man;
Lover of the Horned God, and Protectress of all the Craft;
Descend, I Pray,
With Your Lunar ray of power,
Upon my rite here!

Blazing God,
You who are the King of the Gods,
Lord of the Sun,
Master of all that is wild and free;
Father of woman and man;
Lover of the Cresent Goddess, and protector of all the Craft;
Descend, I pray,
With Your Solar ray of power,
Upon my rite here!

Pour out a cup for all present, including one for Deity and enjoy. Sit before the table and meditate on the blessings that Deity has bestowed upon your life.






Jan 28, 2010

Imbolc


Imbolc is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Groundhog Day), and in many places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.



The Maiden is honored as the Bride on this Sabbat. Straw corn dollies are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carry them door to door, and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning, the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun.


Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the "water of life" is poured over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the newly turned furrows as offerings to the nature spirits. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.


Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigit's Day, Feast of Brighid, Lupercus, The Festival of Lights, and the Feast of the Virgin.













Jan 27, 2010

Feverfew


Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)), a member of the sunflower family, has been used for centuries in European folk medicine as a remedy for headaches, arthritis, and fevers. The term feverfew is adapted from the Latin word febrifugia or "fever reducer."Feverfew is also used to treat menstrual irregularities, labor difficulties, skin conditions, stomach aches, and asthma.


Feverfew is a perennial herb native to south-eastern Europe and Asia. Naturalized widely elsewhere. Found growing on rocky slopes, walls, waste places and a weed of gardens. Cultivation: A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in an ordinary garden soil, plants can even be grown in walls. Often grown in the flower garden, feverfew is usually self-sowing. The leaves have a refreshing aromatic aroma. Growing to 2 1/2 feet with  strongly aromatic leaves, light green about 4 inches long, and divided into broad, lobed segments.  Many daisy-like flower heads bloom June-August, with white ray flowers surrounding nearly flat yellow centers, growing to about 1 inch across. Gather entire plant in bloom, dry for later use.

Sunday
Color: Yellow gold
Planet: Sun
Metal: Gold
Deities: Brighid, Helios, Ra
Gemstones: Quartz crystal, diamond, amber, carnelian
Associations: Agriculture, beauty, hope, victory, self-expression and creativity.


Use Feverfew  and these herbs in tea for:

Migraine- equal parts ginger, rosemary and a caffeinated tea. 



Sinus- 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp honey, green tea.


Tension- handful mugwort (dried), honey to taste.











Jan 26, 2010

Tarot Tuesday


In readings, the Six of Wands appears when you have been working hard toward a goal and success is finally within reach. The recognition you have sought so long is yours. Now you can receive the acclaim, honor and reward that you deserve. If you do not feel close to victory now, know that it is on its way provided you are doing all you can to make it happen. The victory of this card does not have to involve beating someone else. 


You can triumph over yourself, the environment, or the odds. It can also represents a healthy self-esteem. Feeling good about your accomplishments is an important part of success, but too much pride can lead to arrogance and self-inflation. When you see this card, check that you are not feeling superior to others.


Some ways the Six of Wands can be interpreted: 


Employment: If you're looking for a position, this card is a very positive indication. You will find something that is better than you had hoped for. If you're currently in a position that you want to stay in, things are about to get even better at work. Your efforts are valued... just keep doing what you are doing.


Romance: In a committed relationship, this card means that things are looking up. Suddenly, you are likely to find yourself feeling closer and happier with your partner than ever before. If you're unattached, take heart  the appearance of this card can mean you're about to enter a relationship with someone you've been dreaming about. This is a very positive sign.


Spirituality: In the context of spirituality, the Six of Wands can indicate getting in touch with deep joy and love of living. You are already on the right track. Get in touch with the joy inside you, and then share it. The world needs the gifts that only you can offer.




















Jan 25, 2010

Bags And Boxes


There have been times in my life, not so many years ago, that I have been homeless. I found myself letting all my possessions go and simply taking the "essentials" with me and relying on friends until I could find a place to live. After these times in my chaotic past, I began to see what was really important in this world and what was just plain vanity and unnecessary. 


Things are just that...things and it's the people and the stuff that you can't put on a shelf or hold in your hand that really matter. I figured out that whatever possessions I had, they could always be replaced. I learned to be a minimalist and value the intangible things in my life and not to sweat the small stuff because it only complicates life. 


I ask, dear readers, if you found yourself facing homelessness and could only take a few bags or boxes with you...What would you put into those bags and boxes...? What's really important to you...? Would it be things of a physical nature or more spiritually minded...? How important is it to have the physical representations of your spirituality to put on a table or desktop...? Does it make you any less spiritual if you do not have these objects...? Can you feel connection to the divine from within...?








Jan 24, 2010

Serenity Sunday





TEMPLE TO CAT GODDESS DISCOVERED IN EGYPT

By Rossella Lorenzi | Tue Jan 19, 2010 03:56 PM ET



A limestone statue of the cat goddess Bastet discovered in Alexandria, Egypt.
Photo: courtesy of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. 





The remains of a 2,200-year-old temple dedicated to an ancient Egyptian cat goddess have been discovered by archaeologists near Alexandria's train station, the Supreme Council of Antiquities said today.

Possibly pointing to the long-sought location of Alexandria's royal quarters, the ruins of the Ptolemaic-era building have been unearthed at the Kom el Dikka area in the Mediterranean city founded by Alexander the Great around 331 B.C.  

The temple remains, 60 metres (200 feet) in height and 15 meters (49 feet) wide, are thought to belong to Queen Berenike II, wife of king Ptolemy III (246-222 B.C.).  

At the site, the archaeologists, led by Dr. Mohamed Abdel Maqsoud, Head of Antiquities of Lower Egypt, also unearthed a cachette of 600 Ptolemaic statues.

The large collection contained many statue representations of the cat goddess Bastet, suggesting that the temple was dedicated to the deity and that its worship continued even after the decline of the Pharaohs, when the Hellenistic Egyptians associated her with their own Greek deity Artemis.

"This is the first Ptolemaic temple discovered in Alexandria to be dedicated to the goddess Bastet," the statement said.

Originally associated with a lioness rather than the domesticated cat, Bastet was mainly worshipped in the city of Bubastis, about  50 miles from Cairo in the eastern Nile Delta. The ancient city even housed a  great cemetery of mummified cats.

Queen Berenike's temple was destroyed in later eras when it was used as a quarry. This led to the disappearance of many of its stone blocks, Dr. Zahi Hawass, chief of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said.

Clay pots as well as bronze and ceramic statues of different ancient Egyptian deities were also uncovered, along with terracotta statues of the gods Harpocrates and Ptah.

The mission also found the inscribed base of a granite statue from the reign of King Ptolemy IV (205-222 B.C.). It bears ancient Greek text written in nine lines stating that the statue belonged to a top official in the Ptolemaic court.

According to Dr. Maqsoud, the base was made to celebrate Egypt's victory over the Greeks during the Battle of Raphia in 217 B.C.











My List:


1.) My kids


2.) Insights


3.) Laughter


4.) Great friends


5.) Constructive criticism


6.) Sunshine


7.) Caffeine free tea


8.) Tarot cards


9.) Migraine medicine


10.)  Books ( I LOVE the smell of books!)






Jan 23, 2010

Sementivae


Sementivae, also known as Feriae, is a Roman festival of sowing.  It is held in honor of Ceres (the goddess of agriculture) and Tellus (Mother Earth). The initial half of the event is a festival in honor of Tellus which runs from January 24 through January 26.


This is a particularly important festival for SS Vulcania passengers who have joined the ship on her maiden, Trans Lemurian cruise and who will be looking to harvest a rich crop of work by the end of their voyage.


The Festival of Sementivae provides the opportunity to mark the full circle of birth, death and rebirth. During the Seed festival of Sementivae, Lemurians take the time to ponder the untamed forces of nature, the cycles of wild plants and animals. Here life and death is venerated. The Snake goddess, the great goddess of life continuum, presides over this festival. It is the Snake goddess who watches over birth, death and rebirth. It is she who is the creator, nurturer and the destroyer.


In a temple, in the  Grove of Clementia  there is a variety of ceramic forms, vases, figurines and ritual implements. These stand alongside forms made of stone, bone, antler and amber. The temple is cluttered, filled with an offering table, on which stand fertility figurines, musical instruments, vases, ceramic jars, all filled with seeds. Disproportionate, supernatural buttock on female figurines reveal their regenerative powers.


Masks hang on the wall waiting to be received by participants in the Seed Festival. These masks represent sacred animals and when worn they embody a fusion of animal and human forces. Some have bird beaks, snakes eyes, rams horns or pig snouts.


Sementivae Wikipedia








Jan 21, 2010

Out Of The Darkness

I am starting a new blog (separate from this one). It will not be about being pagan nor will it be light reading, some days my language may not be appropriate so I flagged it as "Adult Content", just to warn you in advance.  I have struggled with PTSD for a very long time now and I have decided to share my journey as I emerge from the shadows and back into the world. It won't be easy so I do not kid myself. It may upset you, disturb you or as my hope is, lead those of you who suffer like me, to a place where it's okay to be who we were born to be and not just a shell of what we might have been. This will be my journey...





Thoughtful Thursday...Pagan Poetry



Ripples


Memories appear as transient as ripples on the seashore.
Flowing out to sea they take their place with the one.
We weave our memories and lives together.
Taking delicate strands we bind them strong.
In the passing of time a single strand may wear and breakaway.
We who remain pick up the strands to weave our web,
Stronger, tighter than before.
Memories always are, just that.
We choose to use them as we may.
The threads we weave, we are weaving now.
We choose to weave them,
Stronger or weaker than before.
They come, they go.
Ebbing and flowing as the tides
And the unceasing ripples on the seashore.


Jan (Darkwillow 2006)









Jan 20, 2010

"What Are...?" Wednesday



Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable Signs














In astrology, the Zodiac is divided into twelve equal portions called SignsEach sign is unique and has its own influence. They can, however, be grouped according to certain similarities. One way is by Element or basic character. The other way to group signs is by Quality or by how they tend to act.






Cardinal Signs~



The cardinal signs are  Earth elements and associated with starting things, initiating things or being "enterprising". They are forceful and aggressive and have the will to accomplish something, often something new. They project into the world. They are creative in the sense that they cause things and start things.


(ariesS.jpg (863 bytes)) Aries people will do this energetically and urgently (or impatiently). They cannot wait to do what they have in mind to do and that which is motivated by their enthusiasm.


(cancerS.jpg (1002 bytes)) Cancer people are emotionally assertive. They project emotion in a protective and sensitive way.


(libraS.jpg (988 bytes)) Libra people do it in a balanced way, considering the viewpoints of others. Because they are people of air, they are more likely to project in a verbal way, compared with Aries who take action on their enthusiasm. Librans will tend to use language to cause others to take the necessary action.


(capricornS.jpg (937 bytes)Capricorn projects in a practical, down to earth manner. It takes action based on practical need, and success.




Fixed Signs~





The fixed signs are Air elements and concerned with maintaining something... changing things so they are the same as before or stabilising things. Fixed and changed appear to be contradictory but imagine a house... every day it gets untidy and dirty. In order to keep it in its "normal" state, it must be changed - cleaned, tidied, etc - so it remains the same. A body needs to be regularly fed and watered if it is to maintain its state of being alive. 


There appears to be no change because there is a lot of change directed to maintain a state, such as a clean house and a living body. Another example is a field. If the field is not maintained (lots of change, like ploughing, setting seed, weeding, etc) then the field will disappear as Nature reclaims it. What is fixed is the clean house, the living body and the field. What is changed is all the things that keep (for example a field) a field and not a wilderness.



(taurusS.jpg (1046 bytes)) Taurus wants to make the products of the self, sometimes material wealth, permanent and fixed. Taurans do not like changes in their wealth. You might think this is true of everyone, however some people do not measure their lives by the wealth they accumulate and these people are far less upset than Taurans when their personal wealth is threatened.


(leoS.jpg (1026 bytes)) Leo wants to keep its personal power. It wants to be impressive and creative and keep this relationship with others. It makes changes so that it remains in its power state.


(scorpioS.jpg (856 bytes)Scorpio is fixed in terms of their emotional reactions. It feels more secure when they know what feelings other have. Scorpio makes changes, that is seeks to know the deep emotions that others have which motivate them.


(aquariusS.jpg (956 bytes)) Aquarius wants to keep their beliefs, etc... concerning humanity fixed. Aquarians seek to keep their friends. If they are revolutionaries, then they remain revolutionaries.



Mutable Signs~





Mutable signs are the Water element and concerned with changing things into something else. This is not transforming as much as it moving on to something else. The emphasis is on adaptability in the sense that while the fixed signs resist change, the mutable signs accept it. 





(geminiS.jpg (946 bytes)Gemini is a sign of the air and therefore is concerned with communication, words and the mind. Geminis will adapt themselves to their environment and therefore not cause things to persist. While the fixed signs adapt the environment to their needs, wants and goals, the mutable signs adapt their needs, wants and goals to the environment. If the field grows weeds, they adapt themselves to them. And if the field becomes a wilderness, they adapt themselves to the wilderness. In this way they cease to make the changes necessary to keep things as they are, and allow almost any kind of change. This is true of all the mutable signs. This is not to say that mutable signs never resist change, or that they never try to achieve goals at odds with the envrionment, but it is to say they are more likely to give up or to give in than the fixed signs are.


(virgoS.jpg (930 bytes)) Virgo is critical and analytical. In this way, Virgo brings to an end something which was previously believed.


(sagittariusS.jpg (890 bytes)Sagittarius is the ninth sign. It is a sign of fire. While it is a seeker of knowledge, its keyphrase is "I know". Sagittarius brings about the end of ignorance by discovering the truth, according to Sagittarius so that it seeks final knowledge (the end of knowledge).


(piscesS.jpg (1012 bytes)) Pisces brings about the end of emotions through dissolving into the oneness of all things.


Unfortunately this post is not my original thoughts as I have never really gotten "into" astrology but I felt that it would be a great opportunity to learn as well as teach. The website I gained this info at Ken Ward's Astrology Pages