Yuletide and New Year blessings one and all!

I hope everyone had a lovely Yule/Xmas and is looking forward to the New Year as we pass from 2011 to the much anticipated (and in some cases dreaded) 2012.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Hogmanay and lights a candle to the goddess and the god, or at least toasts them 

I am a subscriber to Quest magazine, a wonderful little quarterly on the ‘Magical Heritage of the West’ and a bargain at £2.50 an issue (if you are interested, write to QUEST, BCM S C L Quest, London WC1N 3XX – yup, no email).

I do get annoyed though, when this old idea is perpetuated – that of our ancestors being idiots. I know the people writing and speaking of this do not mean it this way but that is what their idea clearly hints at. The folks of old prayed for the return of the sun. That is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard. They were observers, they made Stonehenge and Callanish, built the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico, carved the stones in Petra and built the terracotta army but they didn’t know the sun would return?!?! Utter guff.

What people should be writing is that they prayed for a good year, weather that would benefit the harvest, enough sun for crops to grow but not so strong that they would be without water, for illnesses to be minor and preferably not to touch their family, and for their livestock to remain healthy. These would have been their fears, not whether the sun would return – credit them with the intelligence they surely had!

Anyway, rant over, I do hope you all have a wonderful time and that 2012 is a fine, fun and fulfilling year (without the whole end of the world thingy).

Blessings xxx

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Winter Solstice 2011

Winter Solstice rapidly approaches and is late this year, the 22nd of December. Many people don’t realise that this is not a fixed date, such as Halloween, but a date dependant on astronomical movements. Winter Solstice falls on either the 20th, 21st or 22nd of December according to the shortest day of the year, and more importantly, the longest night.
After this day, light begins to return to the northern hemisphere. The longest night is very important, as witnessed by Newgrange and Stonehenge, both of which were built to align with this event. This was a time of secrets revealed, celebration and observance.
I often wonder how many people, like me, celebrate both Yule and Christmas. This is habit when you grow up in a house where you are raised as Christian and your family continue to be Christian. It meant gifts waited until the 25th.
This year, I am at home with my husband and cats and we are doing the same, mostly out of habit but also because it would be strange not.
Yule was a time of ham and burning the Yule log, of decorating the home with holly and mistletoe, a time of home, hearth and family. I would imagine it would be easy to incorporate a vegetarian nut loaf in here for those who don’t eat meat, a sort of Yule log in itself.
In Scotland, temperatures are rapidly falling and I imagine that much of the northern hemisphere is experiencing the same, many to greater degrees. Staying warm is very important, as is looking out for elderly neighbours and making sure they are ok – many die from hypothermia at this time of year.
Blessings to you and yours.

The Month of the Owl in the Native American Tradition

From the 23rd of November to the 21st of December, we are in the month of the owl, according to the Native American Tradition.

Many shamans and those who follow the Native American Tradition will know this is the month of objectivity with a view to communication and understanding. The emotions during this month are warm and the personality is that of the adventurer, the warm-hearted, independent and jovial individual.

This is the winter month of the longest nights and shortest days, of good things happening on a Thursday. A similar energy for this month would be a Jupiter energy and Sagittarius in W astrology.

Versatility and adaptability are essential for survival and conscientiousness is necessary at this time. We must also be aware of being tactless, impetuous and restless. This is a month to avoid excess, greed and exaggeration (which can be hard at Yule/Xmas).

When working with symbols etc, gold is the colour, mistletoe the plant and black obsidian the mineral. The animal is the owl, but grizzly bear will also protect.
It is also a good time for observation – of yourself as well as others/nature.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

The Celtic Tree Month of Elder – 25th Nov to 23rd Dec

The Celtic Tree Month is now Elder and this is a wonderful month for creativity. This is the month of Venus and green is the colour, malachite the stone. The element of this Celtic month is air. When speaking of deity, we are looking at the crone phase, and Elder represents the Crone.

It was believed that if someone cut up an elder the tree spirit or dryad would follow the wood and haunt the people.

Given that the Elder Tree Month incorporates the winter solstice, this is a great tree to focus on for working with Sun God or Goddess work.

Elder is said to be a tree of healing, of visions/divination/prophecy and cleansing. It can be used for Faery magic, spiritual works, offerings, love work, protection, prosperity and exorcisms. Elder is very helpful when dealing with natural magic and even has folklore links of warding off vampires!!

Many magical tools are made from Elder, such as wands and brooms.

Al in all, this is a very helpful and magical tree, with deep roots in folklore (pun intended).

A simple way to start, if you don’t have access to an Elder tree, is to look at the image of the tree I have here and meditate on it, or meditate on the word to gain depths on its meaning and how you can work with it/bring it into your life.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Full Moons and November

I was looking up what the moon in November is called, as I remember from childhood that it does have a name like Harvest Moon and Hunter's Moon but I just could not remember it. There are many sites out there that mention names but these are recent inventions, such as Dark Moon - you just have to have seen the moon a couple of nights ago to know this is a ridiculous name for this month. With dark skies, this moon is especially bright.

While I am aware that much knowledge has been lost over several centuries, making up names that have no relevance is not the answer. We need to observe nature before we decide what we should be calling certain objects.

So for me, I would think Bright Moon a far better, more relevant name but that is just my opinion.

Have a wonderful Autumn's end. Get out while its stil warm enough to and enjoy all the vibrant colours before they disappear.
Blessings :D

Halloween / Samhain – 31st of October

The last day of the Celtic year is almost upon us and it is in times like this that our inner child is revealed.

This is a time of partying, dressing up, bobbing for apples and making a mess. We want to laugh, to be scared and feel that rush of adrenalin. But we also want to mark the occasion solemnly, a remembrance of our ancestors, of those loved ones who have passed on as the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest at this time of year.

Unlike several of the other festivals of the Wheel of the Year, Hallowe’en is a fixed date. We do not wait for any seasonal signs for this particular date. It is the pivotal point on which the rest of the year rotates. As the majority of you already know what this date is, I don’t want to reiterate what you already know.

So how do we commemorate this occasion? A party? Absolutely, this is one of my favourite times of year and one time when I really do think a party is in order. But this year, having lost a parent, I personally will not be partying. I will be casting a circle and connecting with the energies I find within it.

This has also always been a time of divination. Crystal balls and scrying tend to be the most common forms at this time. Scrying is the art of looking into something (such as a candle flame, a dark bowl of water or a blackened mirror (using a crystal ball is in fact a type of scrying)) and using it as a focus for images to form.

I tend to find that in many cases, it is best to begin scrying with your own element. I am a fire sign, so I find staring into flames far easier than staring into a bowl of water, but do try each method and see what works best, and don’t forget incense smoke for air signs.

Look into the object and relax, becoming aware of your breathing. Don’t be afraid to blink, it won’t interfere with the process. Let any thoughts or images form in your mind and don’t worry if they seem irrelevant at the time. Write down any impressions you get at the end of your session.

For all of you, I hope you have a wonderful Hallowe’en/Samhain :-)

Please note: scrying in blue is a link to page on how to scry xx

Celtic Month of the Ivy Tree - October

Ivy in the Celtic Tree Lore came into cycle on the 30th of September and lasts to the 27th of October this year.

Ivy is the symbol of resurrection and is therefore associated with winter and especially with Yule/Xmas, for example ‘The Holy and the Ivy’.

Magically, Ivy is an excellent plant to use when carrying out planetary magic and would be used in association with Jupiter and also with the Sun and very occasionally Saturn. Given that many ivy leaves are five pointed, they are therefore also a plant of the Goddess in general.

What sort of magic to use Ivy with?
Strength of character and/or emotions work, any fears/phobias can be aided by working with ivy.
Ivy can be used in any magical/spiritual workings regarding protection, healing, fertility and even exorcisms. It is also linked to fidelity and marital bliss and has been used in this kind of working, as well as used during handfastings (often intertwined with holly). Many use it as a good luck charm or as a friendship talisman.
Ivy can also be used as a means for creative inspiration.
Finally, ivy was most often used (again in assoc with holly) as an altar decoration during Yuletide.

When using this plant, other correspondences include:
Colour: blue
Day: Thursday
Gemstone: Yellow Serpentine

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

October, Hunter's moon

Firstly, I must apologise for the delay in putting something up. It has been one of those years – death, car accidents, weddings etc. A real roller coaster. Sincere apologies for not taking some time to write a few items for my blog.

October

Having passed the Autumn Equinox, the time for taking stock of the year gone and deciding what we’ll do/focus on in the coming year, we are now at a point of inner journeys, of magic and self discovery, for within the self, all questions are answered. When we can link with our higher self, we connect with the divine.

So for many pagans and anyone else on a spiritual path, October in particular is the month for meditation, visualisation and spell-work.

October is also the Hunter’s moon. In times gone by (and even today) hunters would go out and hunt by the light of this moon and make their kills for the winter. They would separate the meat from the skin and bones, using all parts of their kill. Some meat would be eaten and some dried for the long winter months.

So why not try doing a connecting meditation – connecting with yourself first.

Ground and centre yourself.
If you’re not sure how to do this:
For simplicity, take this part as meaning you think of roots coming out from your base chakra (the red one that sits at the bottom of your spine) down into the earth, through the soil, rock, crust of the planet, down through the mantle to the core. Feel your roots connect with the core and align yourself with that energy, the earth’s energy. Feel this energy rise up back into your base or root chakra, up your spine to your crown (the top of your head and extending a couple of inches above you) chakra. Once you feel this, you can then begin floating inwards to that spark within you.

For this bit, I tend to see this as a cloud of white light – not too bright, but a flame within that you know is the centre of your being. Within that flame, you can meditate on anything. This is a safe place. A place of power. From here, you can think of a word or image or concept and see where it takes you.

Don’t worry if this takes more than one attempt, or if you keep hearing your own thoughts at random – like shopping lists etc. They will pass, just acknowledge them and let them go.

For your first attempt you can try things like connecting to your higher self, or connecting to the divine.

When you’re happy that you are done – try it for 4 mins the first time. Some people do this for hours but any amount of time can be beneficial – then return from your inner core back to yourself. Gently retract your roots from the core of the earth back into yourself and wiggle you fingers and toes. When you feel ready it’s good to write anything you experienced down in a journal. Then go eat :D

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Hawthorn, Tree of May-June

The Celtic Tree Month is currently that of the Hawthorn and comes to an end on the 9th of June. This is a modern invention but it is a useful tool for insight into the time of year and into the different aspects of many trees.

The Hawthorn (also named Mayblossom, May bush, Mayflower, Haw, Lady’s Meat among other things) is a stunning, twisted and beautiful tree. It is associated with marriage and with hope and is both a fire and water tree, symbolising its mutability, balance and magical importance. It is energy/inspiration and also healing and fertile.

Hawthorn trees are found round healing wells in Ireland and Scotland and have a strong link with fairyland/the fairy realms and fairy lore. It is one of the tees of the bale fire and a purifying tree. It was said to give sight of the faerie to humans.

Use Hawthorn for clearing and purifying, for prosperity and fertility, marriage and love, protection and happiness.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Partial Solar Eclipse: 1st of June 2011

On the 1st of June, there is a partial solar eclipse and will be visible from high latitudes in the northern hemisphere. In ancient times, eclipses were seen as negative events but today we known this to be a misconception.

What does this mean for pagans? For the most part, not a lot but you can use the energy in spells or for meditation should you chose.

As you will be aware, a solar eclipse in when the sun is blocked out in part, or wholly by the moon. So we could say this is a melding of lunar and earth energy, which is why it is very good for meditation or any inner workings (lunar), or any earth-based spells and grounding work.

If you have a preference for shamanic workings, or other trance workings, this is a good time to do it.

As mentioned, this is a time of part lunar energy and so any psychic work will go well on this day. Although it is a partial eclipse, it is still a powerful time.

Divination would be a perfect way to go on this day – especially with a crystal (the combination of earth and lunar energies). It doesn’t have to be a crystal ball, a fair sized crystal held in the hand would suffice.

The other way to tap into these energies would be to connect with lunar and earth deities that you have been trying to meet/ask something of/honour.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope the partial solar eclipse will bring good tidings and a greater awareness of the energies around you.

NB: Just to prove that there is always balance in nature: there is another partial solar eclipse on the 1st of July in the southern hemisphere – if you live in the southern hemisphere – this will apply to you then.

Grow your own herbs

Spring is an excellent time to start growing your own herbs. It couldn’t be simpler and now you don’t even need a garden – most supermarkets sell grow your own herb packs and you just pot a few seeds and sit them on your window sill. A few weeks later you have edible/useable herbs.

Not sure which herbs to choose? Start small. Go for three herbs you will use in cooking as well as for healing/magical pusposes.

How about Rosemary, Thyme and Sage? All very easy to grow and have multi uses.

Think about the herbs you use the most and for different reasons, and simply buy them to grow! There really is nothing quite like growing your own when cooking, healing or working magic :D

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Month of May, post Beltain

May is a beautiful month. All the most vibrant flowers are appearing, the scents are amazing and life is fully blooming.

May starts with a blaze, Beltain, and eases into Summer, usually with a sizzle.
In the Celtic Tree Calendar, this is in part, the month of the Willow (15th April to the 12th May). I always thought that odd, as Willow is a wet tree and May is usually one of the driest in the UK and in W Europe.

The Willow Tree represents water and is ruled by the moon. There is a new moon on the 3rd of the month. As this moon grows, think about aspects of your life you would like illumination or inspiration for, as the magic of the Willow is that of inspiration, divination and prophesy. The Willow represents Spring and Autumn, the tides and as such is considered a feminine tree.

It is associated with weddings in the garlands of flowers worn on the head of the brides and in pentagrams made for handfastings, due to its flexibility.

While Beltain has passed, the rest of the month is lively, filled with life and vibrancy and the key to the first part of this month is, due in part to the tree, flexibility.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Easter - a Christian, not a Pagan Festival

Easter is almost upon us again and already i have seen articles on-line relating to how it is a pagan festival. Alas, this is a load of hogwash.

Easter is a christian festival, about the resurrection of Christ. Yes, they did borrow a lot of symbology from the pagan path but so what? All religions and cultures borrow from each other. Many people now know that the rabbits and eggs are symbols of fertility taken from ancient religions, and that the date is based on the moon, another aspect of paganism.

Even the name has been borrowed from Eostre/Eostara/Ostara (or, less likely Ishtar), the Goddess of April. And? So?

In the end, the festival of EASTER is CHRISTIAN, not PAGAN. EASTER (see how it isn't spelled EOSTRE) is a christian concept.

Regardless of what your path, have an egg, enjoy it and revel in the sunshine :D

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Spring is in the Air

Its that time of year again. The sap is rising, the birds are looking for mates and lambs are bouncing about.
Persephone’s influence has breathed on the land again and darkness shrinks to the other side of the world.
How can we bring Spring into our lives?
• Getting out into nature – go for walks, breathe in the fresh air, take in
the growing plants and the friskiness of life at this time
• Planting seeds of your own, with intent
• Bake some hot cross buns
• Actively take part in life instead of waiting for it to come to you
• Do something creative – it can be baking, knitting, making something
through crafts or arts, or writing/photography etc
• Even just changing your computer desktop can make a difference – see this
article: http://factoidz.com/spring-desktop-wallpapers/

Spring Equinox

This Sunday (20th March) is the Spring Equinox. It follows the full moon on the 19th and is a time of renewal, of fresh starts and new ventures.

This article covers the basics better than I could say here. http://www.bukisa.com/articles/469047_spring-equinox

Want to celebrate but not sure what to do? Why not have a little ritual planting seeds with special meanings attached to them. Bulbs would be an excellent alternative. Getting your hands dirty is especially satisfying at this time of year.

Spring cleaning is often done now, clearing out the old to make way for the new.
Telling stories is another form of ritual for this time of year, as it would have been in the past.

Found this wonderful video on U-Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lZ-YKIeXww

Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful time.

On another note, my second book, The Island of the Mist, is now available on both Kindle and paperback formats:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-Kingslayer-Series-ebook/dp/B0092TUS7U/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346945410&sr=1-2

And paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346506656&sr=1-2

and in the US: http://www.amazon.com/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346946271&sr=1-2&keywords=the+island+of+the+mist

And you can still obtain the first book, The Stone in the Sword: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

New Moon, New Life

The New Moon forms tonight, Friday the 4th of March.

This is a time of beginnings, between now and the 19th, when the moon reaches full fruition.

It is now that you should begin anything you are seeking to undertake, be it a new job, project, eating plan, exercise plan, artwork, healing, anything you wish to start, to get off the ground, now is the time.

Starting a-fresh is also best done now. Putting negative thoughts/periods of your life/friendships behind you and embarking on a new phase, especially after this particularly harsh clearing of February, when so many souls returned to the source.

Rejoicing in life, fully grieving and stepping over that hurdle are all part of the cycle of life, death and rebirth.

March is the time of rebirth. Everything is coming to life in nature, celebrate and live life to the full.

Meeting Angels - An Introduction

Angels are not exclusive to any one religion and are not, as some people believe, a Christian construct, as they pre-date Christianity. They were mentioned in ancient Zoroastrian texts, among other spiritual paths.

The Qabalalistic sephiroth each have an archangel/angel and angelic group.
Many people cannot call angels ‘angels’. They do not like the little cherub imagery associated with them. Instead, they simply deem them as beings of a higher energy vibration.

However you see them, working with angels can be both rewards and enriching. Angels (however you see them, or like to call them) are another path to better understanding yourself, your place in the world and your connection to everything. Through working with angelic energy we can raise our spiritual awareness, work with healing energy and gain deeper insight to the divine, however you view it.

Working with angels could not be simpler. Just thinking about it is a start.

Meditation is one of the simplest ways of making contact. Simple prayer may be another but this article, or rather, how to, will take you through the meditative process. It is a guided meditation on how to meet your Guardian Angel http://www.bukisa.com/how-to/meet-your-guardian-angel

In reiki, your guardian or healing angel can step in and give you an extra boost to help you and your client. This can also be the case when attuning someone to reiki.

Everyone has a guardian angel, some more than one (usually because they need more help). Making contact with them can be a beautiful experience and really does enrich your life and benefit your spiritual wellbeing, regardless of your religion/faith/path.

Have fun!

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Grief and Loss

Grief and loss are not exculisve to any religion or spiritual path, even atheism.

In many cases, the loss of a loved one can bring us closer to our sense of the divine, or remove us from it. We feel we are being punished, or that it is not fair, not right, not just that a loved one is lot to us. These feelings are not wrong, but do they really help in properly grieving for our relative/friend/partner?

Grief can come upon us at any moment. You can be sitting in your car, looking out the window and suddenly you're crying and you're not sure why.

Turning to our spiritual side, rather than pushing it away, can be a comfort. We can explore our feelings, our anrgy, frustration, deep sadness and pain in a way that is comforting and nurturing, rather than feeling abandoned and lost.

Everybody dies. This is the one clear, absolute in life. Everything dies. How that happens varies considerably and we can only hope that when it is the time for ourselves or those we love, it is as painless and quick as possible. When it is not, we are more inclined to anger, blame and frustration.

Lighting a candle for someone who has passed away is a small comfort, an act of love, of hope that they have gone somewhere better and you yourself will carry on. This small and simple act, perhaps accompanied with a small prayer or meditation can be releasing, soothing and very peaceful.

In many cases, it is not until we lose someone very dear that we are drawn to religion/spirituality, as we have never really needed to look below the surface, to delve deeper into the meanings of life and death.

I honestly feel that the divine never shuts ts back on anyone, especially not in times when we need it/them the most.

This is currently something that I am coming to terms with.

Blessed be x

Superstitions

Superstitions are prevailent the world over. Even the most rational of us will knock on wood or avoid breaking mirrors. Why? Because it is so ingrained in our cultures.

It doesn't seen to matter what religion, creed, raceor gender you are, this is one thing that the majority of people have in common. They range from quite reasonable (not walking under ladders - from the perspective of an object falling on you) to the ridiculous.

Have a look at this article for an idea of what I mean by that!
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/447782_a-look-at-superstitions

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Chinese New Year 2011 – Year of the Rabbit – 3rd Feb

We are now officially in the Year of the Rabbit, leaving the war-like Year of the Tiger behind.

The Rabbit is the diplomat, the neutraliser. It is fun, playfulness and friendliness.

If you were born at the very end of Jan or start of Feb on these years, you are more than like a rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999.

Hopefully, this year will be a time of peace and diplomacy, or listening before acting, and of good relations.

For more information on the Chinese New Year and this year in particular, have a look at this article:
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/439216_chinese-new-year-2011-year-of-the-rabbit

Imbolc

Imbolc is the pagan festival of the return of Spring, the return of life to the land. It is most often on the 2nd of February (as it is this year) but it is always best to look outside and see whether the snowdrops are pushing through. This is the true sign of Imbolc.

At this time pagans, especially witches, wiccans and druids, celebrate by cleaning house and welcoming the spirit of spring into their homes and lives. It is a time of welcome, revival after winters harshness and a time of celebration.

Imbolc is a fire festival and the time of year most associated with the Goddess Brigid/Bride/Brede. Lighting candles is one of the easiest ways of welcoming her into our homes.

For more information on this wonderful festival from the wheel of the year, why not look at this article: http://www.bukisa.com/articles/226301_the-festival-of-imbolc-2nd-february

Enjoy and may light and warmth fill your home this spring :D

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Do pagans all respect the environment?

This is a big question and initially I would say yes, but then you think about it and I think, well, mostly. There are a few people who just don’t think or don’t care about little aspects. Generally though, most pagans respect and want to help the environment.
Many pagans are vegetarians but the majority are not. While they love nature and work for the environment, they would rather choose ethically than cut out meat altogether.
Several pagans actively work for the environment but there are a few who do careless things, like leaving votive candles behind at sites, or tea lights on standing stones. A careless, thought-less act but not intentional.
I once heard of some witches who set fire to lichen, not realising that lichen is a living ‘animal’.
This is the thing that really jerks my chain. Ignorance. It’s ok, I didn’t know. Well, alas, it’s not ok. If you don’t know better, learn. When you make a claim, like I’m a Witch/Wiccan/Pagan etc, you are also stating you respect nature. At least have the decency to look into that which you allege to respect.
This is not an attack at any individual. This is a general voicing of discontent towards anyone, regardless of their spiritual path, who state one thing but act out of accord with that path.
Many people like to spout ‘harm none’ without actually thinking about what that means. All I am asking is for these same people to look into things a little, take a few minutes to think about their actions and possible consequences and take a breath before they do anything that may indeed harm.

The waning moon in the clearing part of the year

January and February are called the clearing (or cleansing) part of the year. We get rid of those things that have held us back, that are no good for us or that we simply do not require anymore.

At the moment, we are entering the waning moon. This is also a time of letting go. So now is a good time to do a clear out in any sense of that word.
Starting a healthy, short term detox is a good idea if you wish, at this time of year.

Clearing out junk in the house.
Ridding yourself of unhealthy relationships.
Healing spells that call for ridding yourself of illness/addictions etc are best done now.

This is a time of taking stock of anything negative and getting rid of it. Be careful with regards to people. If you truly want someone gone from your life make sure to add, harming none. While you may not want them in your life, you equally (I hope) do not wish harm to them.

Negative thoughts (I mean towards yourself specifically) are best being cleared at this time as well. If you have phobias, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, think negatively about yourself in any way, you should cast these thoughts/emotions out, any clearing spell will work with this. Meditations and visualisations will work too.

Forgiving those who have wronged you is also best done at this time of the year. Not to release them but to release you from hanging on to them and what they did to you. When we forgive, a part of ourselves is lifted up, and we realise our anger/hatred towards them was holding us back.
For more information on the moon, have a look at this:
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/437464_the-moon

May all you wish to be free of be carried away with the waning moon.

The wonderful world of crystals

Many people have mixed feelings about crystals. Some love them and use them by the truckload, while others won’t touch them with a barge-pole.

The thing is, our ancestors used them without whim, but would have used them sparingly. They did not have the dilemma that mining brings.

My old teacher once told me that crystals were the veins of the earth, that we were killing it by mining them. This is not true. If we want to use a human body as an analogy we should state that they are parts of the uppermost skin cells of the body, and what we are doing is not harming the earth (the workers is another matter altogether). I have a degree in Geology, so I say that with a level of authority.

Back to the ethical debate. The mining itself, and the exploitation of the workers is the real ethical dilemma. This is one that I do take issue with. Mass production means that many of the miners are working for pennies a week! I am not telling you what to, I simply ask you to choose carefully, and wisely.

There are ethically sourced shops/companies out there that, while slightly more expensive, are most definitely worth it. You don’t need hundreds of crystals. I can’t think of a need for more than twenty or so. You require a minimum of 7 for a full healing, and these crystals should not be used for any other purposes.

Also, there are a great variety of crystals you can find:
• Riverbeds
• Beaches
• Caves (be careful not to get lost)
• Quarries (go with a guide), there are many ways of obtaining the most common of minerals. Polishing them is easy enough, many people know someone with a rock tumbler. Failing that, simply clean it up, cleanse it and use at your convenience.

In conclusion, crystals are amazing items to have in your spiritual arsenal and are not the evil that many people portray, nor are they the pretty little trinkets that others see them as. Choose according to your own ethics.

Here’s an introduction to their properties if you’ve never worked with them before:
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/227271_introduction-to-crystal-properties

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Working with Chakras

Chakras are one of the most useful 'tools' on any spiritual journey.

Chakra literally means wheel.  We all have them, but few of us know anything about them, or how to utilise them.  Working with our chakras improves our health, well being and understanding of spirit.

The two links here are to articles on chakras to get you started, rather than repeating them on here.  I do hope you will try the exercises and gain a new insight.  Please read the first link before going onto the next.

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/226307_an-introduction-to-chakra-work 

http://www.bukisa.com/how-to/do-a-chakra-tree-meditation
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Wicca

Wicca

Why is it, that when pagans gather, they tend to attack the Wiccans?  Before I go any further, I should stress that I am not a Wiccan.  I am a witch but not a Wiccan.  I have not been initiated and do not seek to be but I do have respect for what essentially turned me on to paganism, as it has done many other people in the world.

Yes, there are some Wiccans out there who take themselves far to seriously, and those who are most assuredly seeking attention.  This is not Wicca, it is a few idiot Wiccans, and therein lies the difference.

Wicca is a nature-based religion which shows respect for male and female deities, has a hierarchical system and acknowledges the phases of the moon (have a look at this article for more information on the moon - http://www.bukisa.com/articles/437464_the-moon).  It is not something to ridicule, disrespect or otherwise make nasty fun of (everyone should be able to laugh about themselves, and their faith but nasty comments are another matter).  Please note, I am not a fluffy bunny either.  I just like to respect other faiths (don’t even get me started on the assaults on Christianity).

So next time you’re about to take the you know what out of your fellow pagan (Wiccan), stop, then try to make it light-hearted if you must go on.  After all, the re-appearance of paganism is, in large part, due to the resurgence in Wicca.

Blessings of the growing moon upon you :D

An Introduction to Planetary Magic

A Brief Introduction to Planetary Magic

What is Planetary Magic?

Just as it sounds.  Magic using the planets.  In this brief introduction, I’ll skim over each of the planets used in magic and their properties, do a very quick correspondence for each one, to get you started, and a bit on different ways to use it.

The Planets:

The Sun – Healing, confidence, friendship, growth

Mercury – Communication, travel, memory, science

Venus – Love, harmony, fertility and prosperity

The Moon – Psychic realm, intuition, subconscious

Mars – Strength, courage, power, aggression

Jupiter – Success, money, expansion, leadership

Saturn – Boundaries, time, obstacles, wisdom

Correspondences

There are many different correspondences out there, from the crystal, to the animal, to the incense.  Here are a couple to get you started.

The Moon – Day = Monday, Colour = Purple or Silver, Metal = Silver

Mars – Day = Tuesday, Colour = Red, Metal = Iron

Mercury – Day = Wednesday, Colour = Orange or Pale Blue, Metal = Quicksilver

Jupiter – Day = Thursday, Colour = Royal Blue, Metal = Tin

Venus – Day = Friday, Colour = Green, Metal = Copper

Saturn – Day = Saturday, Colour = Black, Metal = Lead

The Sun – Day = Sunday, Colour = Yellow/Gold, Metal = Gold

How to use

There are many different ways to use Planetary magic.  We’ll touch on a few but focus on their more general use – in spells.  Here is an example of how you would use planetary magic:

You need to do a spell for harmony and success at work.  Everything is a bit stressed and you’re not sure things are going to work out.

Because the focus is on work/career, you want to do your spell on a Thursday.  As you also wish for harmony, you want to use the colour green (Venus), as well as a deep blue (say in your candles, or ribbons etc).  So you would use 5 candles (as this is the number for Jupiter), a mixture of blue and green in colour.  An alternative to this is to use 1 candle and have 5 ribbons on the candle holder (well away from flame).  You can use incense that is for either Jupiter, or Venus, or both.  If you use the incense for Venus, you can use an essential oil for Jupiter.

You’re now ready to begin.  Cast your circle – creating sacred space, clearing the area.  Do what you normally do for this, everyone is different.  When you are ready, take the candle(s) in your hand.  Anoint it/them with the essential oil, as you do, think of the intent (in this case harmony and success at work).  Don’t think about the disharmony, see the harmony, see yourself winning an important bid, your colleagues and yourself reaping the rewards etc.  When the anointing is finished, light the candle and focus your intent on it once again.  If you are a reiki user, infuse the candle with reiki energy at this time too.  Keep the candle lit for a while, then snuff the candle.  The following night, re-light it, again focusing your intent.  Do this for several nights on a growing moon.  When candle has burned down to nothing, let the magic take effect.

Most magic would be done on a growing moon, up to the full moon.  Don’t start magic on the full moon, as it will peak then, and the waning moon takes over.

If you want rid of something in your life, use the waning moon.

Example – someone is ill.  It’s a waning moon, so rather than do an increase of health, do a decrease in illness.  The symptoms ease off with the passing moon.  The grip it has on the patient/client/friend eases off until is has no hold on him/her anymore.

Talismans etc

This is another aspect of planetary magic.  You can make them using paper (of the colour that corresponds), draw symbols or write what it is you wish to happen.

You are in need of money so that you can go on holiday.  This is important because you haven’t had one in a while, and you could really do with a break.  You make a talisman to get the right energies going in the right direction.  You use green paper (Venus covers prosperity), and orange pen (Mercury covers travel).  You write what it is you need.  Again, you can use the corresponding incense and candles while casting this spell.  Draw the symbols for Venus and Mercury on the paper.  Again, infuse the paper/writing with your intent.  Fold and wrap in some silk or cotton and keep away somewhere safe until spell has worked.

This can also be done with herbal charms, amulets etc.

Planetary magic is a useful tool and done well is a powerful one.  Enjoy :D 

Wanting more magical information, here's an article on Winter magic

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/431146_winter-magic