Celtic Tree month of Elder

The seasons have turned and we come to the end of the year, and with it the last Celtic Tree moon of the year - the Elder. The 24th of November sees the last day of the Reed month and the 25th brings in the month of Elder. This is the thirteenth moon of the year and is one of the most magical. This is a time of thanking the spirits for all we have been given in the past year, a time of celebration and of wholeness.

The Elder tree encompasses the festival of Yule and is the tree of the Goddess Venus. It represents the element air and is most commonly associated with the birth, death, rebirth cycle, with creativity and also renewal. This tree also has associations with the crone aspect of the Goddess.

This is a time to work magic for healing, spirituality, visions, Faerie magic, cleansing, protective, love and prosperity magic. It is also a time to make offerings and, as mentioned before, of thanks.

Associations for this time of year include malachite, the colour red (also gold) and black birds such as a rook.



On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scotland 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

Autumn Equinox and beyond

Today is the Autumn Equinox (Spring if in Southern Hemisphere). It is, as we already know, a time of balance and reflection, a time of looking back over the past years to see what worked and what did not.

It is a time to discard that which did not help or improve our lives, and bring in new things that may help or improve our path/livestyle/general life.

While this is very much a time of spiritual reflection, it is also sitting on Libra, an air sign. Libra is also a cardinal sign, and so this is a time before a change. It is the lull, so use it wisely. As air, much is focussed on mental issues, such as study, creativity and meditation.

I like to light some incense (frankincense and sandalwood are great at this time of year), watch the moon sail through the night sky and reflect. Sometimes in meditation, sometimes on paper.

As this falls within the Vine moon, it is also a time of celebration, so be sure to have a good time, eat well and be merry.

This is a time of endings, just as the Spring equinox is one of new beginnings. We feel the summer passing away as the god has passed into the underworld. If you have any habits that you wish to rid yourself of (smoking, eating too much or eating the wrong things, or anything else for that matter), now is the time to do it. The full moon has just passed and it is a waning moon. As the week goes on, into the next, write down your issue you wish to be free of on a piece of paper, then burn it, sending it out into the universe. Always make tsure that you specifically state that you wish no harm to come to anyone as you do this.

On a practical side, this is the time of powercuts and storms, so making sure you are well prepared is essential. Having a few staples in supply is a must, as are candles, a gas cooker and/or gas heater if no fire, blankets and a few provisions in your car in the event you are caught out when on a trip.

For me, this festival is pensive, as well as uplifting. It is a solumn, thoughtful time, when we really take a long, hard look at ourselves with eyes open, honest. It can be liberating as well, to let go of any preconceptions you try to portray about yourself and other to the world around you. It is also a wonderful time to let go of any hurts you have been holding onto. Guilt, anger, regret, grief, anything negative that has a hold on you. Use a black stone and empty all these emotions into it. Then cast it into the sea, or place it into a bowl of salt water (swirl water around) before throwing it away.

Equinox blessings everyone x


On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scotland 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

Celtic Month of Vine in Tree Calendar

This is the month of the vine, and a time of celebration. We have the happiness of the harvest and the remnants of the warm, later nights, before the long winter begins.

The vine is considered to be the celebration of joy and its wood was used as one of the nine woods for the balefire at Beltain. The vine is sacred to many deities, including the more obvious Bacchus/Dionysus, Venus and Minerva, and the less obvious Osiris, Demeter, Hathor, Rhea and Aphrodite.

Associations for this tree include the snake, tit-mouse and white swan, variegated colours although silver and burgandy are very strong at this time of year and the stone is an amethyst.

Types of magic used at this time of year are related to the harvest, joy, poetry, imagination and inspiration. Other types of magic include garden magic, faerie magic, spells of wrath, joy, exhiliration, prosperity fertility, mental powers, happiness and especially binding.

If you lack self esteem or suffer an inferiority complex, this is the time to work magic to improve this, with the leaves and fruit of the vine. Vine can also help with those looking for strength and to succeed in their ambitions.

Fertility is both in the harvest itself but also in preparing the garden for the year to come, as well as making the foods you are about to harvest are as good as they could be. In ancient Greece and Rome, this time would also have been spent in festivals of thanksgiving and revelry, and as a result, many babies would be conceived at this time :)

Because wine is the 'afterlife' of a grape, this tree is also a symbol of rebirth (hence the connection to Osiris). Of course, grapes are not the only vine fruit but they are one of the most common.

As this is the month of the Autumn Equinox, we are looking at ourselves in detail, watching how the year has affected us, what worked and what did not. We need to strengthen our bodies and minds for the coming winter and looking into courses on any crafty or cooking classes we might want to attend is a good step.

We are entering a very fecund time of year where nature has given us all the ingredients packed with nutrients that will keep us healthy over the coming winter. it is a good time to eat seasonally, stock up on potatoes (general as well as sweet), squashes/pumpkin, mushrooms, berries, pears, beetroot, plums, apples, cabbage, damson and mussels are all in season just now.

Getting into your kitchen is as important as getting out into nature, as food is nature. It is the first, deepest connection we have with the earth and the wheel of the year. Steer clear of processed foods, which have very little nutritional value and opt instead to pop some of these glorious foods into a soup, stew or a lovely crumble :D

BB and have a wonderful, colourful September!

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

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Harvest, Month of the Bear and Autumn

We are almost at the full moon again!! This year seems to be flying by! At least we had a summer and hopefully a mild winter will follow.

We are fast approaching the end of the salmon month, the time of wisdom, and entering the month of the bear, the time of applying what we learn. Bear is also the month of harvest and of learning differentiation. This is a time of earth and water - which makes a lot sense at this time. We see more choppy seas, heavy rain coming in, ripe grains and, as mentioned, the harvest.

This is also a time of family and of protection, and of preserving whatever fruits/vegetables we can for the coming winter.

I love to make some kind of preserve, be it a jam or relish, a chutney or a jelly. Making your own is so much better than buying shop bought, and it tastes all the sweeter for being home made (plus you know exactly what's in it). Make this something for all the family and (if you have kids), get the kids involved!

So far, its been a funny year. Everything was late in coming and now its vanishing as fast as you can blink! Leaves are falling, rowan berries are red already!! Autumn is rushing in where Spring feared to tread.

This is my favourite time of year. The earth breathes out a sigh, everything smells amazing and the colours simply dazzle you with their beauty, burning into your memory so that you won't forget them over the long winter!

As we are still, for the moment, on the growing moon, it is time to think about how you can apply what you have learned so far this year, and about how to protect yourself and your home from physical as well as 'other' influences.

bb.


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

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Celtic Tree Hazel Moon

On Monday we moved from the Celtic Tree month of Holly into Hazel. On Tuesday, we saw the New Moon. This new moon, a hazel moon, is the 9th moon of the year so far. As you know, 9 is very special in paganism and for that reason we pay special hommage to this moon.

The Hazel is known as the Tree of Wisdom and as such, this month (and the magic performed at this time) relates to wisdom, knowledge, divination in the form of dowsing, protection, prosperity, dreams, reconciliation, marriage, inspiration, intellegence and spirit contact.

Ancient stories tell of the wisdom gained in eating hazelnuts, or salmon who have eaten hazelnuts! These nuts are also a symbol of fertility in the UK. This tree is also thought to be sacred to the faerie and could be used to call them, especially in the form of a wand. Traditionally, all wands were made of this tree. It is the best tree for dowsing as well and it is said that sleeping with hazel (under your pillow or sleeping under the tree) could bring dreams of foresight. Carrying a piece of this tree will offer protection from lightning and many other possible dangers.

For dowsing, these trees can find water, ley lines and even treasures!

Hazel is associated with salmon, with the colour brown (but also olive green for study) and the bird crane. It is of the stone red agate and is of the element air. Its planet is Mercury and it is strongly associated with Mercury, Thor, Diana and Artemis.

It is perhaps for the reason that this is a time of knowledge that schools return at this time of year, the new year of study begins soon, certainly in Scotland.

So this is another time of new beginnings, this time of the intellect. Of study, leanring, craftwork and divination. If you have never tried dowsing before, get a hold of some hazel rods. Cut with flint, rather than a knife if you can. Hazel trees can be found everywhere and are fairly easy to spot. I've included a pic here of a nutting tree - this is close to what they should be looking like now. You can find other images on the internet, or better yet, on a book :D

Enjoy this fascinating moon!

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

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Lughnasadh/Lammas and Imbolc

I call this festival Lughnasadh but many call it Lammas. Either way, it is almost upon us. Today is Lughnasadh Eve,, tomorrow (1st Aug), is Lughnasadh or Lammas. In the Southern Hemisphere it is Imbolc, one of my favourite festivals. I do hope they get snowdrops south of the equator because to me that is the ultimate symbol of Imbolc!!

Lughnasadh is a wonderful time of year. It is fecund, bountiful and celebratory. It is the mid-point between Mid Summer and the Autumn Equinox. It is the start of the harvest time and so was when people would have more to eat than any other time of the year. This is a corn festival, a time of grain and gold/sunshine yellow and bronze, bread making and games, of weaving corn dollies. It is also a time of the waning moon.

Deities at this time include Lugh, Demeter, Ceres, Tailtiu. It is a time of the mother deity, of the fullness of life, and knowing when to celebrate. To stop and take in the joys life has to offer. It is the time of reaping the rewards of a year of hard work.

We are still in the last stages of the Holly moon, so we are still working with our passions and self confidence. The next Celtic Tree is the Hazel, which will begin on Monday, 5th August. This is where communication and knowledge come in, as the power of the sun starts to dwindle a little.

At this time of year I like to burn a fire - clear out the rubbish from my body and renew good health. If you don't have access to somewhere that you can start a small, controlled fire, pass a candle all around yourself, or get someone to do it for you - over your whole body. As you jump over the fire/have the candle pass over you, think about bringing in the positive energy that can heal and letting out all toxins and negative energies.

Getting out is essential at Lughnasadh - even if its just a five minute walk/stroll. Any kind of physical activity is good, especially outside. Feel the sun on your skin (or if its cloudy, imagine it). Enjoy this last couple of months of light before we a plunged into the short, cold days of winter.

I like to bake for this festival - cornbread is best but to be honest, this is a grain festival, so any grain will do, including wholemeal, which is much easier to make.

BB and have a wonderful Lughnasadh!

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

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Holly Month in Celtic Tree Calendar

We are now into the month of Holly on the Celtic Tree Calendar. Holly is a wonderful tree, and a fire tree. It is masculine and is sacred to the summer and winter solstices.

As this tree comes immediately after the Summer Solstice/oak tree, it is all about the harvest, and any magic relating to that should be carried out now. This month covers a plethora of subjects you can cover magically, from sex magic to travel, healing to protection, material gain and good luck, to death and rebirth.

We have also just entered the Month of the Salmon, which brings self confidence and passion, and a need to find our life goals.

On Tuesday, 23rd, we enter the festival of Neptunalia, a Roman festival to the God Neptune. This is a water festival and a time of games. This theme carries through the rest of the month and ends with Lughnasadh, the Celtic festival of Lugh, in which games took place.

This is very much a time of being open to new things, of getting out and accomplishing goals.

Stay cool in this heat!!

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

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Dog Days and End of the Oak Month

"Dog Days bright and clear / indicate a happy year. / But when accompanied by rain, / for better times our hopes are vain." Taken from the Old Farmers Almanac

We are approaching the beginning of what the Egyptians first termed as the Dog Days (3rd July to 11 August), when Sirius, the Dog Star rises, predicting the type of weather there will be for the rest of the year. It is part of the hottest, most humid time of the year (although this weather can continue well after the 11th of August) but for the Egyptians this was the time preceding the flooding of the Nile.

We are in to the last phase of the Oak Month, the time of masculine power and strength, stability and success, healing and fertility, money and luck, of Solar power and is therefore associated with the element fire. It is especially associated with thunder/lightening deities like Thor, Zeus, Jupiter, and Perkunas (Lithunaian deity) because they often attract lightening to them.

Artemis was sometimes depicted as having a necklace of acorns and the acorn is often associated with creativity of the mind.

The oak is a tree of truth and honesty and is therefore classed as a holy tree. A leaf from this tree can be worn over the heart and allows the wearer to see through deceptions.

Oak can be used as talismans for protection and to bring in money. The best time to harvest anything from an oak is now, during the waning time of the oak moon. The last quarter of the moon begins tomorrow.

Have a wonderful summer!

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

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Empowerment

As we approach Midsummer many of us wish to reflect on empowerment, specifically of ourselves and our family, as well as our views. Midsummer is all about empowerment. It is an active energy, a doing sabbat.

While it is deemed more a masculine sabbat, as the god gains his full power, I think it is equally true of the goddess and for those of us who were not born pagan but came to it after years of living under a monotheistic (and masculine) religion, I think its important to rebalance and take note of the feminine energy at this time as well. Please note that I am not saying ignore the god - I would not do this but I do think that for many of us this festival is all about the god and for those of us trying to find balance, we need to focus on the goddess for a while.

This week there has been a great deal in the British press regarding Emily Davison, the suffragette who was killed at Epsom Derby 100 years ago this week. Female power is very much on my mind at the moment given this anniversary. Some people, very cruelly class her as a crazy lady who wanted to throw her life away but research has shown that she had no intention of committing suicide, she had no idea just how dangerous the race was. I salute this woman in her incredible belief in her movement, a movement that allowed people like myself to be able to vote, and to have the same rights as men.

It is sad that in this day and age that feminism is a dirty word with so many negative connotations. I now class myself as a feminst. I am married, love my husband and have no animosity towards men. I simply believe we are equal and entitled to the same treatment as men, such as equal pay.

So empowerment is on my mind this week, as the sun gains power in the heavens and the earth breathes in the warmth after a strange winter and late spring. At this time of year I am drawn to causes and to exposing injustice. As a Sagittarius I cannot help but feel great anger at injustice. The current situation in Turkey for instance, really angers me. Currently under a totalitarian regime, the people rose up in protest and were met with severe violence, like the situation in Syria. But there appears to be very little coverage of this situation in the media. Part of this could be that in order to keep the likes of the US off their back, Turkey's government have very rapidly put through laws allowing oil exploration in their country, giving the US rights to drill. Meanwhile they abuse their people without anyone speaking out about it. Read more here.

I also believe in ethical sourcing for my food and this is a wonderful site, if you don't know it already: Compassion in World Farming.

Empowerment is not only about external issues. It can be as much about reaching for your own personal strength as anything else. This is the time of year to go inside yourself to find that core centre of your being and know that nothing can take that from you and that you can increase this core when you feel threatened or need a little extra confidence. Our willpower and core strength are located in our solar plexus chakra, our stomach area. This is a vibrant golden yellow and when we need extra confidence or strength we simply visualise this chakra expanding until it surrounds us. When you no longer need that extra oomph, return it to its normal size.

Whatever your passions are, whatever makes you angry and want to change a situation, now is the time to act! Solar energy is doing energy so get involved!!

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

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

May into June

The weather is all over the place at the moment but it is still the month of the Hawthorn (Celtic) and also of the Deer (Native American).

Both instances carry well into June and both are very magical times of year. Hawthorn is the enchanting and enchanted tree. In both cases, this is also a time of great fertility and potency. Now is the time for conception of children if you are so inclined. Deer are a representation of our sexuality and about facing up to the fact that we enjoy pleasure. We are often taught that pleasure and sex are sins, or bad in some way. Or we shy away from our own sexuality. The deer totem tells us to embrace it, always in a consensual manner. A stag symbolises taking power for yourself within your life - that could be enjoying sex for the first time, (both in a virginal sense or a sense that you have never had pleasure before) and taking responsibility for it (can mean safe sex or becoming a parent). This time is of self empowerment and enjoyment.

Magically it is a good time to cleanse, to get rid of bad habits and clear the spiritual clutter. It is, as mentioned before a time of fertility magic and of protection.

The power is gathering, waiting for the peak of Midsummer and the height of the solar energy. As such, both masculine and feminine power is especially potent at the moment, as nature rises in a blanced union.

BB

On that note, I have written a bit of a sexy witchy/werewolfy/vampirey book (not erocita, but sexy). If you like Charlaine Harris, Carrie Vaughn, Patricia Briggs, hopefully you'll like this. It is available on kindle and now in paperback.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Wolf-Witch-Coffin-ebook/dp/B00CCWL6ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366023812&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wolf%2C+the+witch+and+the+coffin

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

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Our rights

Our rights should be protected and this means looking out for ourselves and one another for all aspects of life. It came to my attention today that the EU plan to rule on whether we should be 'allowed' to sell and share seeds ourselves, or whether this should be left in the hands of big business, like Monsanto.

Please sing and share the petition below to let them know that you will not comply with this ridiculous ruling. Everyone has the right to grow fruit and vegetables etc for themselves and their families, and to sell them if they so choose. But big businesses like Monsanto want to take power out of our hands and force us into buying GM products. Well i say no and I hope that you will join me!

Petition

BB

Sorting home and garden

We have just moved house. Everything is in chaos as the house we have moved into had a few issues needing sorted. i think that is part of the 'joy' of May. Getting your house in order, inside and especially out. Summertime brings a host of weather issues most of us don't really think of until it's too late. We don't prepare our gardens for a possibly hot/dry summer, or prepare it for the deluge that often occurs in Scotland. Inside, we need to make sure we have cleared away anything that we have not used in the last 2 years. If we haven't used something in that time, chances are we don't need them.

We have a pile of general rubbish for the dump (can't sell, not good enough to recycle), a pile for recycling/charity shops and a pile that will hopefully sell.

People go on about recycling and I thin a lot of us get bored hearing about it but I do carry on with it. paper, clothing (this goes to help people who cannot afford to clothe themselves and is very worthy), glass etc. It all helps. Things you would not think of recycling can be used in furniture (like the new movement for making chairs out of used tyres), book covers and many other things so please think before you send something into general waste.

I know I keep banging on about planting things and how good it feels. You possibly think I'm daft but it really is liberating to get your hands dirty. i think because it takes us back to childhood, when we used to dig in the dirt for whatever reason. There is something very invigorating and also soothing about planting seeds/plants. As I've mentioned before, herbs never go amiss. If you have never done anything like this before try parsley - you can't go wrong. Freshly cut parsley in your salad or over your soup or in any meal is wonderful - there's nothing like it. Chives are another easy to grow herb. Basil is fairly safe. Coriander is a little more risky - they like the heat/sun. Plant anything that you would use in cooking/bathing/spells or other aspects of your life. Its also far less expensive to grow your own than buy them fresh in a supermarket.

Most supermarkets/homebase/local garden centres will have growing packs.

If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse, I hope you're using it for tomatoes. Tomatoes grown at home have a whole other taste to them. they're sweet and delicious in a way shop bought could never be!

I know many people like to feed birds all year round, and that's fine but I do prefer to let them gobble on midges and other annoying insects, as nature made them. We always give them a hand when the weather is harsh, and pop out a little water if its really dry or frosty.

Make sure your home is weather proof from the sun as well as the rain/wind. Our seasons are all out of kilter at the moment and you just don't know what we're in for.

Take care and bb x

On that note, I have written a bit of a sexy witchy/werewolfy/vampirey book (not erocita, but sexy). If you like Charlaine Harris, Carrie Vaughn, Patricia Briggs, hopefully you'll like this. It is available on kindle and now in paperback.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Wolf-Witch-Coffin-ebook/dp/B00CCWL6ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366023812&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wolf%2C+the+witch+and+the+coffin

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

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Beltain 2013

Beltain this year will be a little different from previous years, given the strange weather we have all been having, and people's inability to do much because of the economic climate (although most of us we're equally without money last year).

Beltain is about love, about sensuality, as the God and Goddess get together for the sacred marriage. It is about loving your partner and enjoying each other, if you are with someone, and loving yourself if you are not.

Too many of us, when single, do not think about ourselves in that way. We don't take a good hard look at ourselves and say 'You know what, I'm pretty amazing!'. And we should, because we are all amazing. Life is amazing, no matter how cruddy it can look just now. Mortality is so very finite and we are so lucky to be able to draw breath. Many out there would disagree, thinking that they wished they were dead. That is truly sad, given how hard it can be just to be alive. The very fact that we survived to birth is a blessing. That we survived childhood and reached adulthood without war/illness/accidents taking our lives is equally amazing. So many people die every day and being able to draw breath is a gift.

So celebrate that gift. treat yourself and (if you are lucky enough to be in a relationship) your partner to something special. This doesn't have to be expensive. A picnic is practically free and if the weather is good, its a delight. Getting out into nature is a wonderful thing to do at this time of year. Clearing your spirit of all the cling-ons of winter and a sluggish early spring.

If you are lucky enough to live near a botanic gardens and the weather isn't so great, get indoors and be part of nature - if not a museum, or wrap up in waterproofs and get to a local beach. These things don't cost/don't cost much and can be a wonderful change to your normal pace of life.

Make something nice and different for dinner and thank the gods for your wonderful bounty. Plant things in your garden or get a little pot of a herb you like and sow those seeds, enjoy everything you can about nature because it is risig to the peak of its glory.

If you can, give your place a quick once over, in respect for the day and also as a metaphorical clearing the clutter/cobwebs away. If you have beeswax use it on your furniture, or burn beeswax candles in honour of the day.

Fill your home with pleasant scents/textures and sounds. Let the sensuality of the sabbat awaken you!

BB

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

April 2013 full moon - Partial Eclipse

We have a rather special time just now, what with the Lyrid meteor shower currently under way (until the 25th April, same day as the full moon), the full moon and this moon having a partial lunar eclipse. The full moon is to be in Scorpio, meaning that there is a fine but definite balance of light and dark, of yin and yang.

This is a time of personal growth and spiritual transformation, of greater understanding in marraiage/partnership of a romantic nature.

W are also in the Celtic Tree Month of Willow, a time of enchantment, magic and love. Willows are water trees, as Scorpio is a water sign. We enter the realm of emotions and at the peak of the lunar eclipse, some may find a temporary block on emotions, or a staggered effect, which might come across as down/pessimistic - but this will pass soon enough, given the speed with which water carries concerns away.

This celtic tree month is a time of poetry and creativity, celebration of the written word and intellect.

Above all, all these signs show the way to really listening to your intuition over the next few days. Go with your guts. If hey tell you to venture forth, do so. If they indicate caution, be cautious. Listen to that inner voice, it will guide you well.

On that note, I have written a bit of a sexy witchy/werewolfy/vampirey book (not erocita, but sexy). It is available on kindle now, and paperback soon.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Wolf-Witch-Coffin-ebook/dp/B00CCWL6ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366023812&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wolf%2C+the+witch+and+the+coffin

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 sensuality of April

April is a month of indulgence, of tactile pleasure and revelling in your own sensality.

This does not matter whether you are single, in a relationship, married or in a friends with benfits place. Being aware of your body and your physical needs is paramount just now. We enter into the phase of te year where the Goddess and God are carrying out the mating dance or courtship ritual. It is a time of personal beauty and becoming aware of what makes you feel good physically and emotionally.

Spending time with friends and loved ones is important, as touch (be it in the form of hugs/cuddles or something more intimate) is an essential part of life, especially just now. Physical contact is as necessary to humans as to any other animal. We need to feel loved and we are by nature a tactile species.

Surround yourself with things you enjoy the feel of - be it silk cushions, cotton sheets, fluffy slippers or whatever, revel in your sense of touch.

Getting your hands dirty can be another way to fill your senses - soil, baking, hand painting, anything where you are coating your hands in something you enjoy the feel of is of great benefit and can really boost your creative energies.

We are in the belly of Aries just now, so allow your creativity to be expressed. This is a great time to start artistic processes!

If you do have someone special in your life, now is the time to enjoy showing that person how you feel, what you like and learning what they like. This is, as mentioned earlier, less about sex and more about sensuality and being tactile. Becoming intimate with another person, preferrably someone who makes your heart sing!

If you are single, enjoy yourself! Learning what makes you feel incredibly feminine (or masculine), what pushes your buttons is as essential to an individual out of a relationship as it is to someone in one. There is nothing wrong with becoming intimate with ones self, in fact it is very healthy. Everyone needs phycail pleasure.

On that note, I have written a bit of asexy witchy/werewolfy book (not erocita, but sexy). It is available on kindle now, and paperback soon.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Wolf-Witch-Coffin-ebook/dp/B00CCWL6ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366023812&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wolf%2C+the+witch+and+the+coffin

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

April is about growing!

Spring seems to have sprung here in the north of Scotland. It's still below 0C at night but we have sunshine during the day and flowers are blooming. I even saw a butterfly yesterday!!

April is the start of the doing time. It is the beginning of the getting outside and really becoming part of nature. Working with plants is a great way to reconnect after a winter (a long one here) indoos, away/separate from nature.

For the next fortnight we are under the influence of the Alder tree, as mentioned earlier in another post. Between now and the 14th of April, the energy is a more relaxing one, an easing of tensions and nervousness/anxiety. We move towards a more determined and confident place in life, a place of good dscrimination, or royalty (within ourselves). With the alder tree we mix strength with compassion. It is both a fire and water tree, and is very resilient against water. This makes it especially intuitive and this month is a good time to rely on your intuition, about learning more about your own abilities and for divination.

April is a starting month for outdoor projects or projects where you need to be a little more bold. It is very much an outdoor month though, for getting the most of the growing light, making sure your garden is ready for the coming year and all your bulbs/seeds are planted - indeed it is a time of planting.

Whether you have a garden or not, getting outside is easy - go for a walk in a part, along a canal bank or lake-side. Cycle in the hills or just take a bus out to a small village and walk around it. And it is so easy to bring nature into your house. Buy some seeds, herbs are excellent, easy to grow and you can eat them/use them in magic. A little compost in a small pot, getting your hands dirty is so envirogating, it really is worth it, and having fresh herbs is unbeatable.

Get planting :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

Equinox Blessings

Today is the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the Autumn Equinox in the Suuthern Hemisphere. Firstly, I would like to say that I hope everyone has a lovely day and that the sun is shining wherever you are.

Part of the Spring Eq is about sowing the seeds for the coming year, doing everything you need to do in order to have a good harvest in the Autumn. In magic we take this literally and plant seeds on this day to mark any plans we have, whether it be a new business venture, a baby, relationship or anything else you hope to happen over the coming year. We plant seeds in soil. and infuse those seeds with out wishes. There is something so magical about the feel of soil on skin, it makes you feel alive, and feel the connection with the waking earth. We then look after them, watch them grow and yield. It is a wonderfully fulfilling spell and so simple. Night and day are equal and we look ahead to the growing days.

In the Autumn it is the opposite. Night and Day are equal and we look back over what we have done with this year so far, over the seeds we sowed int he Spring have yielded anything and what we can cut out of our lives that did not work. We are reaping what we have sown and now we should be benefiting from that. We enjoy the harvests, knowing that the winter may be long and harsh, it makes everything taste that little bit sweeter. This is a time of reflection, before the earth slips into her deep winter sleep. We look over all that we have achieved and what we did not and look at whether we should let go of that which did not work, or whether it is worth trying it from another angle.

Today in Scotland the sun is shining. It is cold, we still have snow on the hills and it's set to be -5C tonight. But the flowers are in bud, some blooming. Things are starting to wake and i feel that renewed joy, that thirst for life as the sap rises in the trees and in all of nature. Everything is frisky with life.

This is also the start of the Celtic Tree Month of Alder. This is a work tree, as well as a Goddess tree. It is a time for setting things in motion and for powerful magic, protection and love.

BB

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

21 day meditation challenge

Just a quick bloig before my Spring Equinox one, I've begun this wonderful meditation challenge. Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey are doing this 21 day challenge and its free to join.

This is the link: 21 Day challenge

It started yesterday but each day is available for 7 days, so you can start today and finish a day late (or do 2 meditations on the one day if you really feel like it).

I do recommend it. This will help with meditation in general and improve your wellbeing, given that the topic for this challenge is Perfect Health.

The is an excellent time of year to do it - Spring, and an excellent time of the month (right after the new moon). This is a time of new beginnings and improving yourself. So why not brush away the cobwebs of your mind and learn how to think yourself fit!

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

Loss and understanding

Many of us have, at some point in our lives, lost someone close to us. For many of us we want to understand why this has happened, and few of us think at the time to turn to our spiritual path. It is also a time when we realise who our friends really are, and who those fairweather 'friends' are.

Loss is unfortunately part of life - everything has a cycle but when you lose a parent or sibling, a best friend or a child, it is often hard to think of these things. We feel only pain and confusion, especially when children/miscarriage is involved.

Another issue is that many people don't know what to say to you when they meet you, or avoid yooaltogether because they just don't know what to say. To these people, simply being there to listen is enough o show someone you are there for them.

Miscarriage is a particlarly awkward one for many people. It's not a fully formeed baby that has ben lost, to a lot of people but that doesn't matter to the woman/mother, or the father for that matter. They have started to form bonds of love and expectation - it is as real a loss as any other. What do you say to somone who has lost a baby? I'm so sorry for your loss. how are you? Is there anything I can do - the same as you would say to someone who has lost anyone. Allowing people to talk is a gift.

I have lost a parent, beloved pet and had three miscarriages in the last 2 years, a lot by many peopes standards but not by some. Some people lose whole families in natural disasters/accidents and other horrible circumstances. There is very little an 'outsider' can do but offer their support.

One thing I would recommend to those not sure what to say or do, and to those who have lost themselves. Never, ever say you know how that person feels, or that exactly the same thing happened to you - this does not help, you minimise their emotions and are saying you want to talk about what happened to you, not to listen to them. Empathise but do not state that you know exactly how they feel because you don't. Everyone's relationships are different, their feelings will not be the exact same as yours were because each situation is different. Think about the person suffering at that moment. Simply letting them know ou are there for them and are willing to listen is the greatest gift you can offer someone who has recenty lost someone.

To those who have lost - there is not a thing I can say that will take away the pain. You are not alone, I hope that you have someone to talk to and cry with. You may not even think to reach fo your gods I know I didn't for my father's death) but that can ease the pain alittle. Unfortunately the only thing that really eases the pain is time. Time makes it a little less raw. Understanding helps as well. Why a person died - be it a heart attack or whatever caused the death, having answers allows you to accept.

Spells will not help at times like these but meditation can. However I do think that when grief is raw you should leave that until you feel a little more yourself. Praying can help, hoping that this person/pet is taken into the Goddesses arms.

Grief/loss is a process. We fel shocked, disbelieving, angry, like bargaining and finally acceptance. Everything you feel during this time is perfectly normal so don';t worry about the fact that you burst into tears for no 'apparent' reason. The only wrong thing to do is to bottle up emotions and not let them out. This can fester and becoe very unhealthy.

I truly hope people are lucky enough to lose as few people as possible in their lives but the reality is often very different. For those who lose, I am truly sorry for your loss. For the friends of those who lose, please think about how you ould like to be treated at this time. Do not avoid them because you don't know what to say - just be there for them xx

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 Year of the Snake 2013

This year te Chinese New Year will see us entering the Year of the Snake on the 10th of February.

The Snake is a good year for businesses, as Snakes tendto have many material possessions.

You are a Snake if you were born in Feb-Dec of the years:

1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and this year.

Wisdom is a key word associated with snake but they tend to also be cotemplative, instrospective, intellegent, intuitive, cunning, refined/graceful and private.

To celebrate th new year,welcom the snake energy into your life, wear red/decorate house with red, snake symbols, meditate upon an image of the snake, and the word snake, as well as its associated characteristics.

I'm hoping that this year will bring greater wealth to us all but without the greed that is so often attached to it.

The Chinese New Year falls on the New Moon nearest teh endof Jan/starrt of Feb. This year it is the 10th of February, a new bginning and hopefully a better year tha last for most of us.

BB

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

Imbolc and Spring

Imbolc is on Saturday - that is the 'official day' however if you see snowdrops pushing up through the soil or even flowering already, you can have your ritual at any time now. Imbolc is not as fixed as Halloween date-wise, as it is usually celebrated with the appearance of the first snowdrops - and they will appear at different times in varying countries. SO do what feels right for you.

To me, Imbolc is a Celtic festival and as a Scot, I welcome Bride (rather than the Irish counterpart, Brigid or Brede). I use white candles and a pale green altar cloth (you could use a white altar cloth here if you wish). I light the candles and go to my front door at night, opening it and welcoming Bride in. I see a tall, dark haired young woman in white as she enters my home, and I lead her through the house, with the candle to light our way. No part of the house is neglected (and this is why I clean beforehand (this is the forerunner to spring cleaning!)). This is also a type of house blessing.

Some people will make corn bread at this time but as I celebrate this time as a Celtic festival (and corn did not grow in the UK/Ireland prior to a couple of hundred years ago), I bake soda bread - recipe on my last post. It's very easy and native. however, if you live in America or anywhere else in the world where corn was native, go for the corn bread. Again, this is entirely up to you.

Making a brigid knot or a corn dolly is something else many people do at this time, tying it off with red ribbon. There are hundreds of site on how to do this, including youtube video's. Here is one example : How to make a Brigid Cross

Remember that while they will state using straw, you can use lavender stalks and other similar material.

If the weather is not too horrific, try to go out and have a look at some greenery, spot a few snowdrops, which are the symbol of Imbolc. This is the first Goddess festival of the year and the energy is expectant, soft, that breath before the burst that is Spring.

BB

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

Preparing for Imbolc

I know Imbolc is a couple of weeks away but many of us have already begun our preparation for this time of year. Cleaning is one of the main things we do - as we want to welcome Bride/Brigit/Brede/Bridig into a clean home on the 2nd of February.

Many people don't really think of Bride as the Goddess of the home and hearth, but she is, among other things, and among other deities. She brings that step of inspiration that hint of spring, clearing the cobwebs of winter away, igniting our creative spark.

This weekend I and my husband have cleaned out our bedroom, the fridge, one kitchen cupboard, cooker and done some dusting. The bathroom was cleaned last weekend and we will do the rest of the cupboards before the end of the week.

Taking time and breaking the job down makes it seem like much less of a hassle and mammoth task. We are lucky in this instance that we live in a small house, one bedroom, bathroom and a kitchen/living room. We have a small job really but even those with much larger homes can lift a duster, hoover, clean their cupboards and fridge out, squirt the loo with bleach etc. A couple of tasks a day has it all clean in no time.

In this we are also mentally preparing for the return of the spring, for the divine to return to our homes.

In your living room (or kitchen if this is your main room), light a white or pale green candle, preferrably beeswax, in preparation for Bride's return.

Baking is another great way of welcoming Bride. Bread or cakes are the best way to welcome her home. They are also the best way to make a house a home.

Soda Bread is a great and very, very easy bread to start with.

500g plain flour
1 tso salt
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
400ml live full fat yoghurt

Preheat over to 200C/400F/GM 6

Flour a bakig tray and a work top.

Sieve dry ingredients together, make a well in centre and add yoghurt. Mix to gooey/sticky consistency (add a hint of milk if you need).

Put out onto work top and form into a round - don't work with it too much.

Place on tray and score a deep cross on the top of the bread.

Bake for 40-45 mins. When taking out, tap base - if it sounds hollow, it's ready. Pop on a cooling tray and you can have a slice as little as 15 minutes later :D

I think this bread is better the day after it is baked.

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

Magical beginnings

Until Sunday, 20th January, we are in the Celtic month of the Birch Tree. In Scotland, birch trees are abundant. This is a very good time of year to begin things, or to renew things, like renewing your magical vows/dedication, stepping up learning about the craft, starting your magical journey. It is a time of beginnings.

Magic is, as many of us know, a journey through life. In fact is is what we use to help navgate that journey.

The birchg tree is a purification tree (hence the reason witch's brooms or besom, were made using birch twigs), and is also a tree of protection. It is a moon tree, so any working at this time should be done at night, preferrably under moonlight.

Please note that we are on a waxing moon at the moment and this is the moon for the rowan moon, rather than the birch moon, which has passed - however we are still under its influence until the 20th.

Starting new spells/projects/resolutions are more likely to work and be seen through not, at this time. Re-affirming your dedication to this path will be welcomed especially now.

Taking more interest in nature at this time (while cold), will benefit now - feeding the birds at this time of year is essential for their survival and gives you a closer connction with nature.

BB

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

Craft Books

There are literally thousands of books out there about the craft, paganism and natural magic. I have to say, many of them are repetitive and more than a little incorrect on some basics. I'm not here to say they should say this or that, I just want to make one point clear. Any chakra work you take on, if a book tells you to close your chakras back down after an exercise, dump the book. Chakras are your energy centres. When you open them, clean them, get them spinning away, why on earth would you then close then? You wouldn't, not if you know what you are doing.

The problem is that many beginners (and some not so beginners) don;'t know this sort of thing and it is very unhealthy that so many books continually write this. Elen Hawke, Sacred Round, is one such a book. She has a nice way of writing and the book is the usually basic wicca 101. However, I was shocked when she tells her readers to close the chakras down after an exercise. I don't want to pick on one writer, she was the first that came to mind. She has other books which are very good but I would avoid the one mentioned above.

Another thing that I find amusing is that many writers read books like Marian Green's A Witch Alone, Rae Beth's Hedgewitch and Doreen Valiente's Natural Magic, then re-write them and publish their own versions. Amber K is one such a writer but there are possibly hundreds of others.

I would recommend any beginner, or someone who has a little knowledge but who wants more, to go to these more original sources mentioned above. Marian Green has been writing for decades on magic and witchcraft and her book, A Witch Alone, is very good. Doreen Valiente is an original, having been part of Gerald Gardner's circle, his high priestess. She was highly knowledgeable. Rae Beth writes in a unique manner, as a series of letters and knows her folklore very well. Starhawk is another good, solid craft writer, who talks about a range of subjects.

For a more general pagan book, a wonderful start is Phoenix from the Flames by Vivienne Crowley - a wonderful read and it, like the others mentioned above, have excellent further reading suggestions.

Another thing to do when trying to figure out which books to buy, especially if you are wanting something beyond witchcraft 101, is look at the contents. If it's talking about magical tools, the elements and creating sacred space, then it's not a more advanced book - it's a 101. An advanced book will talk about making your own spells, how to use ritual for learning more about yourself and the world around you (or talk about archetypes), etc.

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