Today was a stressful day. It was, as I told my husband, the Monday of Mondays. Getting to work was not difficult, but once I was there it was one thing after another. There was a lot of absenteeism today. Many people are out with whooping cough which is kind of uncomfortable. I took my lunch break to run some errands. I sent my grad school application off which was good. The rest is in the hands of the administrators and the Gods. I then took some time to make what I thought would be a quick business call. It turned into a very long and stressful exchange, but supposedly everything was rectified. A second time. Gods willing, everything is fine and I will get my bloody certificate of authority so I can legally sell at the upcoming craft show! Everyone was very kind, patient, and helpful so I can't fault them too much...
I've come to accept that it's going to take me awhile to finish my Initiate Study Program. Hell, it took me at least a year to delve into my DP, and three years after that to finish. I took my time. Who can blame me? I was working on my first degree while working part time and maintaining various hobbies. Working full time while attending grad school? I know I'm going to have my hands full.
I am finding myself less resentful and guilty for my limited Druidic studying. I do what I can. I do my short daily devotionals, I pray, I make offerings to Brighid when I sew, and I do my weekly ritual complete with ogham reading. I practice bits of kitchen magic here and there. I try to make time for meditations and walks in the woods. I listen to Pagan music and podcasts. I alternate fiction with Pagan studies when I read before bed. I get in touch with my inner self and the spirits through my art. That is how I am living and experiencing Paganism now. Do I feel like I could do more? Sure. But I'm not beating myself up over it now.
( For My LJ and FB Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Showing posts with label Druidism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Druidism. Show all posts
Monday, December 6, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Grey Catsidhe's 21 Days of Solstice Music!
I'll start off with a favorite of mine - "Solstice Bells" by Jethro Tull.
A joyous song, the sacred hunt, mistletoe, Druids, and a quirky Medieval music video complete with a dancing Death! What's not to love?
It's snowing in the North Country. My spirit guide is happy!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
A joyous song, the sacred hunt, mistletoe, Druids, and a quirky Medieval music video complete with a dancing Death! What's not to love?
It's snowing in the North Country. My spirit guide is happy!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Excited for Tonight
Visiting family usually means that my mental discipline goes out the window. Not that I've had much recently in regards to religion... With a craft show coming up, my free time is filled with more sewing than meditation, ritual, or spellwork. I even brought my work with me so I can create while visiting family. So far I've made a small dragon and another mushroom spirit. I'm in the middle of working on a larger doll. I think I'll have a nice collection of whimsy available for the craft show!
Obviously I have my hands full and am mentally distracted. I brought my traveling altar with me and did a quick devotional on Thursday evening. Otherwise it's hard to find a private, quiet time to do anything. I pray or chant to myself. My Gods, while they do like attention, are not so full of condemnation when I cannot visit my altar each day. They hear my whispered prayers, I think. They are tribal Gods and seem to understand the importance of family time. My patroness is pleased by art and, to me, sewing is a way of bringing her honor because she is my muse. It is a different sort of ritual and I am coming to terms with that. There is a sort of magic in art - that cannot be denied.
My family is not Pagan, although some of them have animistic tendencies. They are accepting of my beliefs, and I am free to talk about them, but I do not go out of my way to rub their noses in it. I may pray in front of them from time to time, as I did for Thanksgiving, or discuss my ways, but I generally find myself a quiet corner to perform any rites in. I prefer it that way. I don't want to be a spectacle.
Not tonight! Tonight will be full of magic and socializing - with my witchy friends in Utica! Since moving to the North Country, my old Pagan pals stopped meeting openly. The high priestess*, my dear friend, has learned a lot from her teachers and she is forming her own coven/circle/study group**. They've continually made it known to me that, no matter my path or where I roam, I'm always welcomed to join them. I've started to take them up on that offer. I miss the frequent magic and Pagan fellowship. Between ADF rituals and amidst so much work, this is exactly what I need. I cannot exactly put into words exactly what I feel about working with them all except to say that we've all grown. There is a palpable trust and understanding between us which allows me to feel very comfortable and welcomed despite my different ways. I think we intersect on our love of folk magic and academic study. The high priestess and one of the others seem more and more influenced by traditional witchcraft - something I am also continually drawn to. I feel like Druidism is my religious path, but traditional witchcraft can fit very nicely in there. This is something I'm still exploring, and the group in Utica is just what I need. I'm so excited for later. :)
*I am not sure if she is comfortable being called such, but, to me, that is what she is and that is the role she plays. In my opinion, it sounds less cult-like than "leader." :P
** They are not actively calling it a coven, but I can see it going that way. And you know what? I've grown spiritually since a couple years ago and find myself comfortable being a part of that. Totally another entry for another day...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Obviously I have my hands full and am mentally distracted. I brought my traveling altar with me and did a quick devotional on Thursday evening. Otherwise it's hard to find a private, quiet time to do anything. I pray or chant to myself. My Gods, while they do like attention, are not so full of condemnation when I cannot visit my altar each day. They hear my whispered prayers, I think. They are tribal Gods and seem to understand the importance of family time. My patroness is pleased by art and, to me, sewing is a way of bringing her honor because she is my muse. It is a different sort of ritual and I am coming to terms with that. There is a sort of magic in art - that cannot be denied.
My family is not Pagan, although some of them have animistic tendencies. They are accepting of my beliefs, and I am free to talk about them, but I do not go out of my way to rub their noses in it. I may pray in front of them from time to time, as I did for Thanksgiving, or discuss my ways, but I generally find myself a quiet corner to perform any rites in. I prefer it that way. I don't want to be a spectacle.
Not tonight! Tonight will be full of magic and socializing - with my witchy friends in Utica! Since moving to the North Country, my old Pagan pals stopped meeting openly. The high priestess*, my dear friend, has learned a lot from her teachers and she is forming her own coven/circle/study group**. They've continually made it known to me that, no matter my path or where I roam, I'm always welcomed to join them. I've started to take them up on that offer. I miss the frequent magic and Pagan fellowship. Between ADF rituals and amidst so much work, this is exactly what I need. I cannot exactly put into words exactly what I feel about working with them all except to say that we've all grown. There is a palpable trust and understanding between us which allows me to feel very comfortable and welcomed despite my different ways. I think we intersect on our love of folk magic and academic study. The high priestess and one of the others seem more and more influenced by traditional witchcraft - something I am also continually drawn to. I feel like Druidism is my religious path, but traditional witchcraft can fit very nicely in there. This is something I'm still exploring, and the group in Utica is just what I need. I'm so excited for later. :)
*I am not sure if she is comfortable being called such, but, to me, that is what she is and that is the role she plays. In my opinion, it sounds less cult-like than "leader." :P
** They are not actively calling it a coven, but I can see it going that way. And you know what? I've grown spiritually since a couple years ago and find myself comfortable being a part of that. Totally another entry for another day...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Friday, November 26, 2010
Looking at Death
We spent Thanksgiving with our parents this year. Weretoad's mother visited us and we all went down to my parents'. Weretoad and I brought the tofurky. I cooked it in a crock pot surrounded by sweet potatoes and carrots. Oh my Gods, it was delicious! We don't eat many processed faux meats. We tend to stick with straight beans or homemade bean patties. When I'm feeling a bit lazy, or when Thanksgiving rolls around, Tofurky is relatively guilt free. While it's still a processed product, it's not made from genetically modified or non-organic soy. I feel pretty good about eating it.
I've been learning more about Buddhism recently. I don't know why, but my interest in it has increased. There are obvious differences between it and modern Druidism, but there are also similarities. It fascinates me, especially in regards to compassion. There is a story about The Buddha attending a planting festival. Instead of watching the dancers, he focused on the bugs and their eggs. He thought about how the people digging into the soil had to disturb them, possibly kill them, in order to grow their crops. This event is said to have helped inspire his philosophy on compassion. This, in turn, inspired many Buddhists to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. I've been thinking a lot about this recently. No matter how hard I try to be compassionate towards the natural world, I can only do so much without killing myself. Even the most dedicated fruititarian will inevitably harm one creature, if only through the cultivation of vegetable matter to consume. Some may look at this and say, "Well then why give up meat? You cannot escape the circle of life entirely. You might as well embrace it." The thing is, I'm not trying to escape the cycles of nature - I am still a part of them but in a different why than a meat eater. I experience the cycles differently now that I try not to consume the flesh of my fellow brother and sister animals. I do what I can - I seek a balance. There must be a balance of compassion for the Nature Spirits and ourselves. That balance will be different for each of us depending on the lessons we need to learn and the diet our bodies need. We should not punish our bodies. Even The Buddha recognized that killing our bodies for spiritual goals was not healthy. Everything must be balanced.
We have entered to season of death. Our ancestors culled the herds and this tradition continues to this day with hunting season. Since moving to the North Country, I have seen more deer hanging from trees in front of homes. Every time I see one, I think of Odin hanging from the World Tree, starring down at the roots, seeking wisdom. I wonder where the deers' souls have ventured as the blood drains from their bodies. I marvel that the corvid family is not there to taste their flesh. As the nights grow colder and hunters work to stock their freezers, I've seen them peel the flesh from the deer. I've seen the gleaming muscles and tendons revealed. Weretoad looks away. He has his reasons and I respect them. I stare. I find myself fascinated with the process. I feel for the deer, but there is something fundamentally more sacred about the relationship between the hunter and the hunted than the shopper and the package of meat. I think of that as I stare. That is not to say that I don't respect the people buying locally farmed and butchered animals - that is also better than buying factory farmed meat. But one must admit - when it is you hunting/raising, killing, and then skinning the animal... you enter an intimate dance with the forces of life and death. It is more than simply being in touch with the land and the agricultural cycles - you are getting in touch with the real essence of mortality. Some of this may be my romanticized, Paganized, outsider perspective, but have talked to people who hunt or raise their own food - some of whom are very close friends and family - I am not alone in thinking these things.
It seems obvious, but there is a difference between killing a plant and an animal. The only difference is that we can relate more to the animal because of its similarities to us. I stop and stare at the gutted, dripping, shimmering corpses. They are like me. That could be me. I am reminded of Ricky Fitts from "American Beauty" and his facination with dead people and animals. When asked why he films them, he says, "It's like God's looking right at you, just for a second, and if you're careful... you can look right back." He admits to seeing beauty in what is otherwise uncomfortable and grotesque. I still feel uncomfortable, but I look anyway and try to feel what the hunter might have felt (if he was the respectful sort like my soon to be brother-in-law).
I read a blog entry recently about what is arguably the most humane way to kill a turkey. The author described the event, how the animal's brain died before its body. The convulsions made a woman who had never seen this cry and feel for the animal. Even the author admitted to always feeling something of pity for the creature. He explained that being there to witness the death of the animal is the price a human should pay for eating it. To eat the fruit of death, a human must pay the price of being reminded of his or her own mortality. It was a fascinating perspective, and one perfectly in-line with Druidism' belief in a gift calls for a gift or sacrifice.
I think that is why I stare. I don't experience that exchange as vividly in my garden. If I kill anything as I till or dig, I do not see it. I move anything large enough to see. I experience the death of flesh distantly, but I still feel I must somehow experience it and whisper soft prayers for the departed. I must be reminded of my own mortality - not through animal activist videos - but through the vivid dance of the hunter and the deer.
In some ways, I suppose I stare for the same reason I stare in awe at the multitudes of stars at night. I like to be reminded of how small I really am. For some reason, that feeling is like a hug.
Gods bless the deer and other game who have fed the multitudes this season. May you run wild in the Other World!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I've been learning more about Buddhism recently. I don't know why, but my interest in it has increased. There are obvious differences between it and modern Druidism, but there are also similarities. It fascinates me, especially in regards to compassion. There is a story about The Buddha attending a planting festival. Instead of watching the dancers, he focused on the bugs and their eggs. He thought about how the people digging into the soil had to disturb them, possibly kill them, in order to grow their crops. This event is said to have helped inspire his philosophy on compassion. This, in turn, inspired many Buddhists to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. I've been thinking a lot about this recently. No matter how hard I try to be compassionate towards the natural world, I can only do so much without killing myself. Even the most dedicated fruititarian will inevitably harm one creature, if only through the cultivation of vegetable matter to consume. Some may look at this and say, "Well then why give up meat? You cannot escape the circle of life entirely. You might as well embrace it." The thing is, I'm not trying to escape the cycles of nature - I am still a part of them but in a different why than a meat eater. I experience the cycles differently now that I try not to consume the flesh of my fellow brother and sister animals. I do what I can - I seek a balance. There must be a balance of compassion for the Nature Spirits and ourselves. That balance will be different for each of us depending on the lessons we need to learn and the diet our bodies need. We should not punish our bodies. Even The Buddha recognized that killing our bodies for spiritual goals was not healthy. Everything must be balanced.
We have entered to season of death. Our ancestors culled the herds and this tradition continues to this day with hunting season. Since moving to the North Country, I have seen more deer hanging from trees in front of homes. Every time I see one, I think of Odin hanging from the World Tree, starring down at the roots, seeking wisdom. I wonder where the deers' souls have ventured as the blood drains from their bodies. I marvel that the corvid family is not there to taste their flesh. As the nights grow colder and hunters work to stock their freezers, I've seen them peel the flesh from the deer. I've seen the gleaming muscles and tendons revealed. Weretoad looks away. He has his reasons and I respect them. I stare. I find myself fascinated with the process. I feel for the deer, but there is something fundamentally more sacred about the relationship between the hunter and the hunted than the shopper and the package of meat. I think of that as I stare. That is not to say that I don't respect the people buying locally farmed and butchered animals - that is also better than buying factory farmed meat. But one must admit - when it is you hunting/raising, killing, and then skinning the animal... you enter an intimate dance with the forces of life and death. It is more than simply being in touch with the land and the agricultural cycles - you are getting in touch with the real essence of mortality. Some of this may be my romanticized, Paganized, outsider perspective, but have talked to people who hunt or raise their own food - some of whom are very close friends and family - I am not alone in thinking these things.
It seems obvious, but there is a difference between killing a plant and an animal. The only difference is that we can relate more to the animal because of its similarities to us. I stop and stare at the gutted, dripping, shimmering corpses. They are like me. That could be me. I am reminded of Ricky Fitts from "American Beauty" and his facination with dead people and animals. When asked why he films them, he says, "It's like God's looking right at you, just for a second, and if you're careful... you can look right back." He admits to seeing beauty in what is otherwise uncomfortable and grotesque. I still feel uncomfortable, but I look anyway and try to feel what the hunter might have felt (if he was the respectful sort like my soon to be brother-in-law).
I read a blog entry recently about what is arguably the most humane way to kill a turkey. The author described the event, how the animal's brain died before its body. The convulsions made a woman who had never seen this cry and feel for the animal. Even the author admitted to always feeling something of pity for the creature. He explained that being there to witness the death of the animal is the price a human should pay for eating it. To eat the fruit of death, a human must pay the price of being reminded of his or her own mortality. It was a fascinating perspective, and one perfectly in-line with Druidism' belief in a gift calls for a gift or sacrifice.
I think that is why I stare. I don't experience that exchange as vividly in my garden. If I kill anything as I till or dig, I do not see it. I move anything large enough to see. I experience the death of flesh distantly, but I still feel I must somehow experience it and whisper soft prayers for the departed. I must be reminded of my own mortality - not through animal activist videos - but through the vivid dance of the hunter and the deer.
In some ways, I suppose I stare for the same reason I stare in awe at the multitudes of stars at night. I like to be reminded of how small I really am. For some reason, that feeling is like a hug.
Gods bless the deer and other game who have fed the multitudes this season. May you run wild in the Other World!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Taking a moment to step away from the debate...
In the forest today, I noticed a single thread of spider silk stretched loosely between two pine branches. It undulated slowly in the wind, occasionally catching the sun and giving itself away. I stared at it for a time, watching the world inhale and exhale. I marveled at how delicate it was. I thought of the Japanese and their love of cherry blossoms; how they celebrate their fleeting beauty. The spider silk reminded me of that. I thought of myself as the silk, shining in the sun until the wind and rain break me and the Earth takes me back into herself. I thought about how that is all life is, and we must do our best to be the most wonderful piece of spider silk clinging to a tree.
Sometimes I get caught up in the academic side of Paganism. Don't misunderstand me - I love history, mythology, anthropology, and language. Discussing the nature of deity can be an engaging exercise for the brain. But sometimes... sometimes you need to step back and admit your cluelessness. Many of us feel that we are doing what is right for us, but even then we can never fully know. Sometimes, we need to go to the source of our spiritual fire - be that a hobby, a temple, or the land - and just exist in it. Take note of the life around you and feel the divine - whatever it ultimately is - move in and around you. We divide ourselves with tradition and culture. I don't find anything inherently wrong with that because we cannot all be the same. I just think we can become so blinded by it that we lose sight of the essence - even if it's only for a moment while we're engaged in a heated theological debate.
Taking a moment to lean against a birch tree in the woods and just be... It is good for the body, mind, and soul.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Sometimes I get caught up in the academic side of Paganism. Don't misunderstand me - I love history, mythology, anthropology, and language. Discussing the nature of deity can be an engaging exercise for the brain. But sometimes... sometimes you need to step back and admit your cluelessness. Many of us feel that we are doing what is right for us, but even then we can never fully know. Sometimes, we need to go to the source of our spiritual fire - be that a hobby, a temple, or the land - and just exist in it. Take note of the life around you and feel the divine - whatever it ultimately is - move in and around you. We divide ourselves with tradition and culture. I don't find anything inherently wrong with that because we cannot all be the same. I just think we can become so blinded by it that we lose sight of the essence - even if it's only for a moment while we're engaged in a heated theological debate.
Taking a moment to lean against a birch tree in the woods and just be... It is good for the body, mind, and soul.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Thursday, November 18, 2010
An Dagda Chant - By Grey Catsidhe
There's been a lot of discussion about An Dagda on the lists lately. Most of it has been about pronouncing his name. All the same, I've really enjoyed the discussion. An Dagda is my patron, which may surprise some people because he is, in many ways, a pervert. Still, he has firmly become a huge part of my life and continues to remind me to have a sense of humor.
Anyway, I was driving home from dinner today and a chant entered my head. I tweaked it a bit from its original wording, but I really like it and can't stop singing it!
An Dagda is the Good God
An Dagda is the Good God
The laughing God
The lusty God
The God of plenty!
I sang it for my husband at home. He isn't sure about the final line. While I'm open to suggestions, it sounds fine to me! I'm not sure what I could change it to but I'm sure there could additions!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Anyway, I was driving home from dinner today and a chant entered my head. I tweaked it a bit from its original wording, but I really like it and can't stop singing it!
An Dagda is the Good God
An Dagda is the Good God
The laughing God
The lusty God
The God of plenty!
I sang it for my husband at home. He isn't sure about the final line. While I'm open to suggestions, it sounds fine to me! I'm not sure what I could change it to but I'm sure there could additions!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Letter to the Kindreds
Dear Kindreds,
I know I've been a bit distant recently. My ritual last week was tired and rushed. I forgot my usual peace offering for the Outdwellers. I forgot to honor the bardic spirit until after I made an offering to the ancestors. I forgot the ale but, luckily, had whiskey on hand. It felt like one of my first rituals. I was embarrassed and felt defeated. My daily devotionals have been lackluster. I've waited until the last moments to do them before I lazily drag myself to bed far too late. I speak in hushed tones or in my head because my husband is often there getting ready for sleep. The altar is in the bedroom and I feel exposed and/or distracted at times. I know I should do my rituals and devotionals earlier when my husband is at work or busy in the living room, but I spend my time doing other things. There are things that need to be done, like cleaning. There are things that I feel called to do, like sew. There are also huge wastes of time... Most days, I just want to sit and relax after a long day of work.
I would blame leaving home and visiting family over the weekend for my disrupted routines, but it's really my own lack of discipline.
I hope you know that you're never far from my thoughts. I see you in the trees, feel you on the breeze, hear you in my dreams, and experience you in my art. I try to keep close, but sometimes I feel like a boat that, while tethered to the dock, has floated lazily away. I don't know how others do it. How do they complete their study programs so quickly? How do they meditate so regularly without falling asleep? How do they write articles and books? How do they do all that while having a job and social life?
Great Kindreds, I will work harder to spend more time with you. I will work on taking better care of myself and getting to bed sooner. I will try to waste less time online. I will try harder...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I know I've been a bit distant recently. My ritual last week was tired and rushed. I forgot my usual peace offering for the Outdwellers. I forgot to honor the bardic spirit until after I made an offering to the ancestors. I forgot the ale but, luckily, had whiskey on hand. It felt like one of my first rituals. I was embarrassed and felt defeated. My daily devotionals have been lackluster. I've waited until the last moments to do them before I lazily drag myself to bed far too late. I speak in hushed tones or in my head because my husband is often there getting ready for sleep. The altar is in the bedroom and I feel exposed and/or distracted at times. I know I should do my rituals and devotionals earlier when my husband is at work or busy in the living room, but I spend my time doing other things. There are things that need to be done, like cleaning. There are things that I feel called to do, like sew. There are also huge wastes of time... Most days, I just want to sit and relax after a long day of work.
I would blame leaving home and visiting family over the weekend for my disrupted routines, but it's really my own lack of discipline.
I hope you know that you're never far from my thoughts. I see you in the trees, feel you on the breeze, hear you in my dreams, and experience you in my art. I try to keep close, but sometimes I feel like a boat that, while tethered to the dock, has floated lazily away. I don't know how others do it. How do they complete their study programs so quickly? How do they meditate so regularly without falling asleep? How do they write articles and books? How do they do all that while having a job and social life?
Great Kindreds, I will work harder to spend more time with you. I will work on taking better care of myself and getting to bed sooner. I will try to waste less time online. I will try harder...
With love,
Grey Catsidhe
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Friday, November 12, 2010
On Mushrooms
I took a short walk in the woods yesterday, just as the sun was beginning to set. I visited the birch tree for a time and then made my usual circuit. I will sometimes deviate and wander from my path - up the hills, over the craggy heights, around the clearing beyond. Deer season keeps me closer to home, and that is okay because there is always something new to see in the forest.
I love to look at the little things: vine-like moss creeping over the dead leaves; the last of the ferns; the color of rotting wood; a moth crouching against the chill; the every shifting population of fungi... Mushrooms continue to fascinate me. I really should look into finding a mycology class. I would love to learn more about them and which ones are safe to eat. I don't often find fly agaric mushrooms in the woods. This year's record is three. Something about their iconic connection to magic and myth has clutched at me since finding my first early summer. I find myself more observant of all mushrooms. I've never paid them so much attention before this year.
As I walked in the woods, I realized that. I also realized that I spent more time getting to know the forest this past summer than I had before. I finally feel (mostly) safe there. I feel (mostly) welcomed. To me, the mushrooms symbolize my growing relationship with this new forest. As the winter rolls in with it's uncomfortable bite, I've found myself bringing the spirit of the mushrooms inside with me. Now my tree spirits have mushroom spirit friends. I cannot wait to post a photo. They've quickly become one of my favorite things to make!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I love to look at the little things: vine-like moss creeping over the dead leaves; the last of the ferns; the color of rotting wood; a moth crouching against the chill; the every shifting population of fungi... Mushrooms continue to fascinate me. I really should look into finding a mycology class. I would love to learn more about them and which ones are safe to eat. I don't often find fly agaric mushrooms in the woods. This year's record is three. Something about their iconic connection to magic and myth has clutched at me since finding my first early summer. I find myself more observant of all mushrooms. I've never paid them so much attention before this year.
As I walked in the woods, I realized that. I also realized that I spent more time getting to know the forest this past summer than I had before. I finally feel (mostly) safe there. I feel (mostly) welcomed. To me, the mushrooms symbolize my growing relationship with this new forest. As the winter rolls in with it's uncomfortable bite, I've found myself bringing the spirit of the mushrooms inside with me. Now my tree spirits have mushroom spirit friends. I cannot wait to post a photo. They've quickly become one of my favorite things to make!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Consecrating Ritual Space
I recently posted about moving my altar into the bedroom. This made space in the art room for Weretoad's new workbench. We're still moving things around, but the important aspects of my altar are set up in the bedroom nook. It's actually a perfect spot for my altar in terms of size. The photo is a bit tilted, but you can see how lovely everything looks, if a bit cramped. I like the symbolism of the three walls. The wall on the left is dedicated to the nature spirits, while the wall on the right is for the ancestors (as featured in a previous post). The middle wall is the focal point with the sacred tree taking center stage. On either side of the tree are representations of my patron deities - Brighid and An Dagda. Above the tapestry is the shining sun. Below that I intend to put some other divine representations, including something having to do with Manannan.
The main altar is made of an old vanity. I removed the mirror and have been using it as a sacred space for nearly my entire Pagan career*. I believe that it is already infused with a lot of energy, but I wanted to consecrate the new ritual space. For my most recent magical working, I took advantage of the close walls and put my hands against them while pushing my feet into the floor. I chanted, calling the land, sea, sky, fire, well, and tree to be present in my altar. I invited the Kindreds to my personal sacred space and charged the whole lot of it. It was a rush, and the empowerment will only continue through use.
For me, this wasn't as much about creating a safe place to practice magic as it was about creating a personal, welcoming place for the Kindreds I am closest to. At the moment, I am not calling on any truly chaotic or infernal beings. If there is a dangerous nature spirit, ancestor, or lower God lurking about, I would like to believe that the very powerful Dagda, Brighid, and Manannan will help to keep me safe. At the moment, I am content making a peace offering to the chaotic spirits and asking for the elements not to destroy me. Should I ever seek wisdom from Bres, the Cailleach, or Balor, then I would most certainly consider more protection. For now, I will work to form closer ties with the beings who bless me.
* When I was experimenting with Wicca my altar was on a shelf behind my bed and then on a little book stand. They tended to gather dust. What an adorable neophyte I was!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Monday, November 8, 2010
Magically Mundane Mondays - Hug a Tree
Although I'm not finished with my Magic 1 essays, I have started to read books on ogham for Divination 1. I'm not merely looking at the course as a way to learn about divination. I see learning ogham as a next step in my magical practices. Not only can it be used as a way to commune with the spirits, but the symbols can be used in magical acts. I also want to take this opportunity to grow closer to the trees.
I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday about crystals. She was telling me about her sister and how she has a spiritual connection to amethyst. I shared a story about friends of mine who are equally enamored with the crystal. During this exchange, I admitted that I've never been very drawn to crystals in a spiritual way. I find some stones more interesting than others, and I enjoy learning the correspondences and symbolism, but I've never felt a pull to learn crystal healing or such. I thought about it later and realized that what I am drawn to are trees and other plants. I am interested in their properties, healing potential, symbolism, and history. I don't discount the divine significance of crystals, but my talents do not reside within that realm.
After work, before delving into anything else, I put my green galoshes on, trudged through the muddy hedges, and went into the forest. It was cold. The deciduous trees were practically bare. The setting sun sent an orange, misty light through the woods. There weren't any mosquitos or flies. There was a stillness broken only by a crow flying north and my own footsteps and whispers to the kindreds. I found myself near a birch tree and I spoke to it, touched, it, hugged it and just sat for a time. I felt the stillness and firmness of the tree. I felt the sleep of winter. I heard the rustle of wind through pine needles. I saw the still waters of the marshland slowly reclaiming territory amidst the other birch and younger trees.
I encourage you to go out and hug a tree, as silly as that sounds. Literally hug it and be silent. Close your eyes for a little, then open them. Watch. If a tree is not for you, find a rock, a flower, a moss-covered hill. Git outside and be still. Open yourself to the aged wisdom and chaos around you. If anything, you will feel more relaxed for it.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday about crystals. She was telling me about her sister and how she has a spiritual connection to amethyst. I shared a story about friends of mine who are equally enamored with the crystal. During this exchange, I admitted that I've never been very drawn to crystals in a spiritual way. I find some stones more interesting than others, and I enjoy learning the correspondences and symbolism, but I've never felt a pull to learn crystal healing or such. I thought about it later and realized that what I am drawn to are trees and other plants. I am interested in their properties, healing potential, symbolism, and history. I don't discount the divine significance of crystals, but my talents do not reside within that realm.
After work, before delving into anything else, I put my green galoshes on, trudged through the muddy hedges, and went into the forest. It was cold. The deciduous trees were practically bare. The setting sun sent an orange, misty light through the woods. There weren't any mosquitos or flies. There was a stillness broken only by a crow flying north and my own footsteps and whispers to the kindreds. I found myself near a birch tree and I spoke to it, touched, it, hugged it and just sat for a time. I felt the stillness and firmness of the tree. I felt the sleep of winter. I heard the rustle of wind through pine needles. I saw the still waters of the marshland slowly reclaiming territory amidst the other birch and younger trees.
I encourage you to go out and hug a tree, as silly as that sounds. Literally hug it and be silent. Close your eyes for a little, then open them. Watch. If a tree is not for you, find a rock, a flower, a moss-covered hill. Git outside and be still. Open yourself to the aged wisdom and chaos around you. If anything, you will feel more relaxed for it.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Artist Trading Cards and Temporary Foot Tattoos
As previously mentioned, The Artisan Guild in ADF has started making and exchanging artist trading cards. It's such a neat idea - I had to be in on it! Here's the card I made and sent to Dohle.
The lighting wasn't the best when I took the photo (I should really get around to making a light box...) but you can see the important bits. Dohle expressed a fondness for rowan trees and the Goddess Epona so I tried to put them together. I usually don't do much appliqué or embroidery so this was fun for me. The edges were difficult... I decided to go with a simple repeated zig-zag stitch but I worry that it wasn't neat looking. Next time I shall try something new. That said, I'm very happy with how my first trading card turned out.
This is the card I received from Brighde. She knew I adore my patroness Brighid, so she made a beautiful collage featuring the Goddess. It's hard to see in the photo, but above her are the words "Tonight the world is dark but your flame burns brightly." I want to find a frame for it and place it near my Brighid altar!
Finally, here's something my husband did to me with a sharpie when I was fixated on something else. It turned out pretty well for something drawn free-hand! It's turned me on to the idea of getting a small tattoo on my foot. I already have a lovely triquetra on my back so I'm thinking about a triskelion.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
The lighting wasn't the best when I took the photo (I should really get around to making a light box...) but you can see the important bits. Dohle expressed a fondness for rowan trees and the Goddess Epona so I tried to put them together. I usually don't do much appliqué or embroidery so this was fun for me. The edges were difficult... I decided to go with a simple repeated zig-zag stitch but I worry that it wasn't neat looking. Next time I shall try something new. That said, I'm very happy with how my first trading card turned out.
This is the card I received from Brighde. She knew I adore my patroness Brighid, so she made a beautiful collage featuring the Goddess. It's hard to see in the photo, but above her are the words "Tonight the world is dark but your flame burns brightly." I want to find a frame for it and place it near my Brighid altar!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Friday, November 5, 2010
In Which I Struggle Through Magic 1
I think I'm finished with exit question 1 of Magic 1. For now anyway.
I now believe that one reason I stalled on the essays is because the first question is, in my opinion, worded so awkwardly. "Discuss the importance of the action of the magico-religious function as it is seen within the context of the general Indo-European culture." Over the past few months, as I read book after book on magic, I would return to the first exit question to see if I felt confident to try it. It always felt jagged going into my brain. It always sounded convoluted coming out of my mouth.
I still worry that I don't know enough to answer the questions. I'm probably over-thinking things, but I realized that I now know a lot more about the Greek and Roman perceptions of magic than the Celtic. I tried to find some old Irish legal manuscripts dealing with magic, but they either haven't been translated yet or are buried in another law text concerned with something more general. I know from prior reading that the concept of a witch or a sorcerer who practices dark magic exists in Irish lore, but I don't know if those aspects are demonized through Christianity or not. If the ancient Greek and Roman Pagans allowed for conceptions of marginal, ethically questionable magicians, it's certainly possible that the ancient Celts felt the same way. That said, the Greeks and Romans were afraid of people who threatened the social balance. The Celts, on the other hand, have examples of public cursing resulting in the fall of kings - major social change! However, the cursing is usually justified because it was the king himself who threw the system out of balance!
Raaarg. I have a headache. At least I'm finally starting my essays.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I now believe that one reason I stalled on the essays is because the first question is, in my opinion, worded so awkwardly. "Discuss the importance of the action of the magico-religious function as it is seen within the context of the general Indo-European culture." Over the past few months, as I read book after book on magic, I would return to the first exit question to see if I felt confident to try it. It always felt jagged going into my brain. It always sounded convoluted coming out of my mouth.
I still worry that I don't know enough to answer the questions. I'm probably over-thinking things, but I realized that I now know a lot more about the Greek and Roman perceptions of magic than the Celtic. I tried to find some old Irish legal manuscripts dealing with magic, but they either haven't been translated yet or are buried in another law text concerned with something more general. I know from prior reading that the concept of a witch or a sorcerer who practices dark magic exists in Irish lore, but I don't know if those aspects are demonized through Christianity or not. If the ancient Greek and Roman Pagans allowed for conceptions of marginal, ethically questionable magicians, it's certainly possible that the ancient Celts felt the same way. That said, the Greeks and Romans were afraid of people who threatened the social balance. The Celts, on the other hand, have examples of public cursing resulting in the fall of kings - major social change! However, the cursing is usually justified because it was the king himself who threw the system out of balance!
Raaarg. I have a headache. At least I'm finally starting my essays.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I Envy You Professional Pagans...
I envy the professional witches and druids out there. It's not that I dislike my career. I get a lot of fulfillment out of it and find that it's quite compatible with Druidism. But when I come home, I'm so exhausted. I focus on my artwork because a) it's spiritually fulfilling to me and b) it's easy to focus on while relaxing in front of a show (unless I'm using a sewing machine... then it's impossible). Free weekends are few and far between. There's always something happening. A ritual an hour and a half away. Family visitations. Socializing with friends. Vacation. Craft shows.
I envy the professional witches and druids who have time to really focus on more than one aspect of their spirituality. They have the time and energy to, not only craft, but study herbalism, meditate for long periods, take nature walks, study the lore, write essays and/or books, practice divination, and serve the greater community. I want that! That is, at least, my goal for retirement.
One of the biggest reasons I started the Initiate Study Program was because I wanted a structured way to help me explore the other areas of Druidism - trance, magic, liturgy, language, etc... I've found myself moving through it slowly - not out of boredom or disinterest! I merely have little time and energy. That said, I don't want to give up. I know that, if I sit down and focus, I'll be able to finish Magic 1 (at least a first draft) very soon.
Taking a sick day has helped me once again realize just how little time and energy I usually have. I took that day and finished the book I had been picking at for months. I started to organize my notes on it and even started answering the questions. I had time and energy - it felt amazing. I felt like I was getting somewhere in my Druidic studies. In the summer I felt so alive. I had free time to walk in the woods, explore the plants in the hedges, tend my herbs, etc... Now it's back to the grindstone and back to feeling spiritually stifled.
Except for art. It's the one thing I cling to when everything else goes to the back burner. I really need to focus on and cultivate that. Perhaps it's a calling?
Anyway, I find myself questioning my routine and my priorities. Should I just focus on art and try to make time for meditation and as my schedule and energy levels allow? Or should I attempt to make myself a schedule? I like structure and routine, for the most part. I could benefit from, at the very least, an attempt to meditate/trance once or twice a week on a set day when Weretoad is working. That could be a start. Then perhaps I could schedule myself a day to walk in the woods? A day to study? It all goes against what should be my Sagittarian nature, but I need to do something to feel more balanced.
Any suggestions?
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I envy the professional witches and druids who have time to really focus on more than one aspect of their spirituality. They have the time and energy to, not only craft, but study herbalism, meditate for long periods, take nature walks, study the lore, write essays and/or books, practice divination, and serve the greater community. I want that! That is, at least, my goal for retirement.
One of the biggest reasons I started the Initiate Study Program was because I wanted a structured way to help me explore the other areas of Druidism - trance, magic, liturgy, language, etc... I've found myself moving through it slowly - not out of boredom or disinterest! I merely have little time and energy. That said, I don't want to give up. I know that, if I sit down and focus, I'll be able to finish Magic 1 (at least a first draft) very soon.
Taking a sick day has helped me once again realize just how little time and energy I usually have. I took that day and finished the book I had been picking at for months. I started to organize my notes on it and even started answering the questions. I had time and energy - it felt amazing. I felt like I was getting somewhere in my Druidic studies. In the summer I felt so alive. I had free time to walk in the woods, explore the plants in the hedges, tend my herbs, etc... Now it's back to the grindstone and back to feeling spiritually stifled.
Except for art. It's the one thing I cling to when everything else goes to the back burner. I really need to focus on and cultivate that. Perhaps it's a calling?
Anyway, I find myself questioning my routine and my priorities. Should I just focus on art and try to make time for meditation and as my schedule and energy levels allow? Or should I attempt to make myself a schedule? I like structure and routine, for the most part. I could benefit from, at the very least, an attempt to meditate/trance once or twice a week on a set day when Weretoad is working. That could be a start. Then perhaps I could schedule myself a day to walk in the woods? A day to study? It all goes against what should be my Sagittarian nature, but I need to do something to feel more balanced.
Any suggestions?
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Here's the special altar I set up for the ancestors today. The photos still hang on the wall by the main altar, but I needed a surface for their dinner. I even added some cat food for our deceased animal companions.
Blessings and welcome to the ancestors! May you enjoy your visit.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Monday, October 11, 2010
Magic Missile!
If I get the chance to play a Druid, I want to take the tree-hugger appeal to the extremes and go absolutely nuts when anyone does anything contrary to what is "natural." I don't just want to get annoyed - I want to lose it. I envision a psychopathic Druid who values Mother Earth to the point where she has separated humanity and technology from her, as if there was no connection. She would be a complete and utter luddite. I'm thinking true chaotic bordering on chaotic evil depending on the species in question. Her goal would be to avenge Mother Nature. She would be especially spiteful of humans and dwarves for their industriousness. Really, her subconscious is seeking personal validation because she feels herself as a burden to the Great Mother. In the end, it would be nice for her to develop into a more psychologically and spiritually balanced character. Or not. Who knows.
Perhaps she is my shadow self?
*I'm saying this with the various traditions and historical accounts in mind. Yes I know there is some variability.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Druidic Tools: Knives
When I first started to study Paganism, I went to the usual suspects - the Llewellyn 101 books. They were very nearly clones and I tired of them. They came with the usual chapters on ritual tools - a shopping list of sorts. Every book said the same thing - one knife for energy work, and one knife for practical work. Some of them attempted to explain this because of some tradition they couldn't easily explain - as if every magician that ever was did exactly that. So much for being a real witch and thinking for yourself! Some of the books explained that to cut an object with your ritual knife would somehow tarnish the athame. Really? Now I could, perhaps, understand if you were more interested in transcending earthly bonds, but a majority of Pagans I know are adamant about being an Earth-based religion. How can you claim to celebrate the beauty and magic of the world around you while somehow declaring contact with earthly things like herbs or stone to be profane? That makes no sense to me. If you are offended, I do not mean to be harsh, but plenty of Pagans point out the inconsistencies in Christianity. If we're going to be critical of other religious practices, we must first be critical of our own or else we will never grow.
I have a knife. I use it for ritual purposes and I consider the gathering of herbs and the carving of tools and charms to be a ritual. I do use kitchen knives and I suppose, in that sense, I do own more than one ritual knife. Like kitchen witches, I believe that working in the kitchen on even a lowly bowl of gruel is magic. Preparing the food is magic. Peeling the veggies is magic. Chopping them is magic. Removing the inedible bits is magic. I believe that the world is magic - the whole world - not just the ritual circle. Are some things more magical? Sure, but everything has magic and putting one in contact with the other will not somehow tarnish it. Trust me. It may change the energy or transform it (I don't advice touching lava with your ritual knife!), but it won't make the knife profane unless you yourself ritualize such an action and declare it so. If you are comfortable doing that, by all means continue (I can understand how keeping one knife strictly for ritual space would work as a mental key), but in my belief and practice, magic is spiritual and physical. My knife follows me outside of my sacred space into the larger, shared sacred space of the world. Do I sometimes work with one aspect instead of another? Sure. Trance is one way where I move more on the spiritual plane than the physical - but I am still seeing the spirit world as I would the physical world. Our perception is based on the physical and it seems incredibly hard to escape. I don't believe the two can easily be separated - if that's even possible. To me, they are interconnected. They are like inhaling and exhaling - each part of the same life processes. If I use different knives, it's because I don't want the potentially poisonous juices of an herb to mix with my food. That is all. Primarily, I use one knife in my ritual - the knife I use to carve sigils into candles; the knife I use to harvest herbs; the knife I use to cut twine in the garden; the knife I use to carve ogham; the knife I carry on my nature walks in case I need to defend myself. I use that knife for so much and I believe that it is infused with a lot of energy. It has the green energy of the garden, the fiery energy of hearthside crafts, the metallic energy of protection, and the wild energy from beyond the hedge. Through such frequent use, it is one of my most important tools. It is as multi-talented as Lugh or Brighid. My practice is very influenced by ancient Irish belief and multitalented spirits were and are highly valued!
And let us be sensible. Imagine yourself generations back. If not a wealthy ceremonial magician with ties to masons and aristocratic patrons, you were probably a wise man or woman of some sort. You were poor like most people. You were lucky if you could afford one knife, let alone two. Your magic was practical. If you want a knife dedicated to a very specific goal, and only want it to be filled with energy relating to that one practice or occasion*** - go for it! I'm certain that your knife will be filled with power through such consecration and use, and that it will be exceptionally helpful to you in that goal. Me? I like my kitchen witch, multi-talented approach. :)
In the end, all one can say is, "To each his or her own!"
* You also must remember that not all Druids practice or believe the same. I'm highly influenced by ADF, CR, and, most recently, traditional witchcraft.
**The above photo is from The Witch of Forest Grove. It's an athame she carved. Beautiful work, don't you think?
*** I know of knives or sickles only used for initiation or the harvesting of one type of plant, for example.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Busy Busy
Life has been so busy recently. Since Pagan Pride Day, I feel like my schedule has been full of non-stop action. Work, two equinox celebrations, Pagan meetings, more work, car hunting, grocery shopping, cleaning, pot lucks, Dungeons and Dragons ... I feel like, even when I have a spare moment, I don't have the energy for artistry or meditation. I still do my devotional every evening, though, and that helps keep me connected. Last weekend saw me at Muin Mound for the Equinox ritual, and that counted as my weekly formal rite. This weekend I will make time for another on my own and I'm thinking about using it to meditate. I really need to stop and do nothing but focus on my breath.
The lack of art depresses me. I bought some materials to use for wildcrafting and sewing - I just have to have the time and energy. I'm also trying to decide what I want to do for a Samhain costume. Muin Mound is having a contest and, while I have no particular need to win, I think it's a wonderful excuse to make a new outfit. I'm thinking about being a fairy. It's not particularly original, but I want something whimsical and nice enough to wear to work.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
The lack of art depresses me. I bought some materials to use for wildcrafting and sewing - I just have to have the time and energy. I'm also trying to decide what I want to do for a Samhain costume. Muin Mound is having a contest and, while I have no particular need to win, I think it's a wonderful excuse to make a new outfit. I'm thinking about being a fairy. It's not particularly original, but I want something whimsical and nice enough to wear to work.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Sunday, September 26, 2010
My Autumn Equinox: Part Two
Last night, I celebrated the Autumn Equinox with my grove. I had a lovely time and, as always, am grateful to the grove organizer and his wife for their hospitality. Every time I go I feel closer to my grovies. It feels more and more like family.
We started off harvesting some grape vines for wreathes. This was the first time I ever made a wreath so it was a fun learning experience. My mum used to make them with vines from our forest; she made it look so easy and, while I suppose it really is, I think I was a bit too anal about it. The plan is for the wreathes to dry until Imbolc, when we'll make "wheel of the year" wreathes for our homes. We must find representations for each high day to attach to our wreath. As the wheel turns, so will our wreathes so that the top of it will correspond to the high day we celebrate. I think it's a lovely idea and can't wait to finish mine!
I also collected some vine for magical purposes. Skip and I talked a bit about ogham. He suggested that I make mine out of disks or else I could subconsciously choose the omen I want based on the feel of individual tree staves. He gave me a thick piece of vine that I can saw into disks. Doing this may mean that the energy of the individual trees represented in the ogham wouldn't be as strong in my set, but using a vine/muin to make them would strengthen my connection to my spiritual family of Muin Mound Grove. I think it's fitting. I can still use the rowan and oak ogham staves I made for charms. Rowan, or luis, is especially good for protection magic whereas oak, or dair, helps with strength and wisdom.
The business meeting was productive. I took over the secretarial duties and once more volunteered to help with the website. This basically means I need to get a web editing tool such as Dreamweaver. My occupation allows me to get a pretty hefty discount on the software so I wouldn't really mind. I think of it as a good investment towards my own websites and as a sacrifice to the grove. I'm excited to help out and hope I can meet everyone's expectations.
This ritual was the first since Imbolc that started after the sun set. The year is growing older and the days have become shorter. It was chilly and it felt nice to stand around the fire. The mosquitos were noticeably absent. The moon smiled down on our rite.
I'm already excited for Samhain!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
We started off harvesting some grape vines for wreathes. This was the first time I ever made a wreath so it was a fun learning experience. My mum used to make them with vines from our forest; she made it look so easy and, while I suppose it really is, I think I was a bit too anal about it. The plan is for the wreathes to dry until Imbolc, when we'll make "wheel of the year" wreathes for our homes. We must find representations for each high day to attach to our wreath. As the wheel turns, so will our wreathes so that the top of it will correspond to the high day we celebrate. I think it's a lovely idea and can't wait to finish mine!
I also collected some vine for magical purposes. Skip and I talked a bit about ogham. He suggested that I make mine out of disks or else I could subconsciously choose the omen I want based on the feel of individual tree staves. He gave me a thick piece of vine that I can saw into disks. Doing this may mean that the energy of the individual trees represented in the ogham wouldn't be as strong in my set, but using a vine/muin to make them would strengthen my connection to my spiritual family of Muin Mound Grove. I think it's fitting. I can still use the rowan and oak ogham staves I made for charms. Rowan, or luis, is especially good for protection magic whereas oak, or dair, helps with strength and wisdom.
The business meeting was productive. I took over the secretarial duties and once more volunteered to help with the website. This basically means I need to get a web editing tool such as Dreamweaver. My occupation allows me to get a pretty hefty discount on the software so I wouldn't really mind. I think of it as a good investment towards my own websites and as a sacrifice to the grove. I'm excited to help out and hope I can meet everyone's expectations.
This ritual was the first since Imbolc that started after the sun set. The year is growing older and the days have become shorter. It was chilly and it felt nice to stand around the fire. The mosquitos were noticeably absent. The moon smiled down on our rite.
I'm already excited for Samhain!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Autumnal Equinox
I'm trying to be more mindful of the moon's cycles. The past few months have found me more observant than ever before, and I thank my friend Imagickat for inspiring that. While checking the calendar a few weeks ago, I noticed that there was to be a full moon on the Autumnal Equinox. It seemed like a very auspicious occurrence! While there is little evidence that the equinox specifically was very important to the ancient Irish, there are numerous harvest traditions that anyone following a Celtic-inspired/Celtic Reconstructionist/or Druidic path can incorporate into their rituals, such as the sacrifice of corn to harvest deities. While Samhain was viewed as the beginning of the winter season and the dark half of the year, the equinox could be viewed as a last hurrah for the light half. I find it interesting that the full moon should occur on this day. It seems symbolic of the coming waning of the earth's green, productive period.
There's a lot of change in the air. The trees are changing, the mosquito population has decreased a bit, and the nights are chilly. I've heard the travel songs of the geese on their way to warmer places. Some of the plants on my patio have begun to die (I took several others inside ). It is easy to observe the Nature Spirits change. But what about us?
My vacation was over a few weeks ago, but it is only now that I'm getting back into the routine. I'm busier and will only get more so as we approach Samhain and Winter Solstice. I also notice myself being more social, especially with new people, in my new home of Northern NY. The summer days of wide-spread, outdoor fun in the sun and day trips is over; here come the days of hearth fires, warm dinners, movie nights, and storytelling. Here come the days of cold and, eventually, ice. In other words, here come the times when we stay closer to home more often.
I always welcome Autumn. It's my favorite season. I can sense the energy - the magic - in the air. The world is dying and yet there is so much potential for rebirth. The veil is thinning and the Otherworld calls.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
There's a lot of change in the air. The trees are changing, the mosquito population has decreased a bit, and the nights are chilly. I've heard the travel songs of the geese on their way to warmer places. Some of the plants on my patio have begun to die (I took several others inside ). It is easy to observe the Nature Spirits change. But what about us?
My vacation was over a few weeks ago, but it is only now that I'm getting back into the routine. I'm busier and will only get more so as we approach Samhain and Winter Solstice. I also notice myself being more social, especially with new people, in my new home of Northern NY. The summer days of wide-spread, outdoor fun in the sun and day trips is over; here come the days of hearth fires, warm dinners, movie nights, and storytelling. Here come the days of cold and, eventually, ice. In other words, here come the times when we stay closer to home more often.
I always welcome Autumn. It's my favorite season. I can sense the energy - the magic - in the air. The world is dying and yet there is so much potential for rebirth. The veil is thinning and the Otherworld calls.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Friday, September 17, 2010
My Old Grimoires
I recently listened to this episode of the podcast New World Witchery. It's all about grimoires or magical texts. I've been toying with the idea of making one again and the show inspired me to share some of my previous magical books with you. At left you'll see a photo of my first "Book of Shadows," (red), my second (black), and my third - which was really just a pink binder full of unorganized paper. :P 
The original was a birthday present from my first boyfriend. I asked him for a nice journal I could use as a book of shadows. This was when I was learning about Wicca. The page with the goofy illustrations includes a recipe for "Mabon Apple Crisp."
Here's a couple more pages in the Red Book of Shadows. I was examining some runes on one. I like the illustration of a cat behind a candle I did on the other. The Red Book of Shadows is really special to me. It was given out of love and I tenderly filled it with everything I was learning. I don't often fill notebooks, but this treasure is pretty full. I look back on a lot of it now and laugh at my ignorance - but we all have to start somewhere. :) 
Here we have the Black Book of Shadows. I was maturing into a more serious practitioner and was doing more regular magical work both alone and with others. This is about spell I performed with a friend using a poppet, candle, and mirror.
More of the Black Book. I was reflecting on Lughnasadh and the cycles of the moon. This book isn't as colorful but is more thoughtful in my opinion. I also started to include snippets from magazines, ritual outlines, and chant sheets as you can tell from the photo.
Anyway! The Pink Mess of Shadow Papers was meant to be organized... I just never got around to it. It was a collection of printed material (original and "borrowed"), hand written and illustrated pages, newspaper and magazine clippings, liturgical outlines, chant sheets, and pressed herbs preserved in contact paper. I kept collecting things and, eventually, I had too much! The binder is bulging. I was overwhelmed and growing away from Wicca and eclectic Paganism - which is mostly what this focused on. I lost interest. All three books have been sitting on my shelves. I don't really use them now, but I keep them with me as memories. I've carried them with me to each new home as I consider them to be a part of my soul.
I've recently found myself wanting to make a Druidic Grimoire. I want to document this part of my life and have something more mature and representative of my beliefs to pass onto a child or apprentice. My problem with the first two magical texts was that I couldn't organize things according to purpose. I tried to tape tabs onto the Black Book of Shadows but it was still obnoxious... The binder was supposed to help with that, but instead I ended up with a mess! I want to actually write and illustrate it with my hands, though, so I don't intend to type it out. I have ideas, but more on that another day...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
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