Summer Goddesses

Summertime is considered by many people to be the firm domain of the God, where he/they are at their peak but this is also a time of Goddess and while most people associate Goddesses as being spring or winter holders, summer is also a season of the divine feminine. Here are a few of the wonderful women of the summer.

Demeter & Persephone - the Greek Goddesses are abound from mid spring through to the autumn, when Persephone must return to her dark lord!!

The Horae are the Greek Goddesses of the seasons and Auxo was the Goddess of summer, although later forms of Horae would have Theros as summer.

Another Greek deity, Aphrodite, is seen by many people as a summer Goddess, as she is most often depicted with scallop shells and roses. Venus, her Roman counterpart, is also a summer deity.

Hera can also be associated with the summer through her mother Goddess position and cuckoos as one of her birds (peacocks being the main one).

Yemaya, a Yoruba Goddess, is the ocean (and often a River deity) and is another mother Goddess. She is often associated with Isis in her form of Stella Maris.

Isis is the principle Egyptian Goddess and is very much a Goddess of Summer, mother of the winged Horus and re-animator of the corn God, Osiris, her husband.

Keeping to the Egyptian pantheon, we have to add Sekhmet, lion headed Goddess to the list of summer Goddesses. Sekhmet bears a solar dis on her had and is a solar deity, one of the few female solar deities. Wadjet is the other Summer Goddess of Egypt I'd like to mention. Another lioness head, she is depicted as having a snake on her head, also occasionally depicted as being a snake with a woman's head. Her festival is Midsummer.

In the myriad Indian pantheon, Shakti is all seasons, the divine mother of all and can therefore represent the summer. She is often depicted with a swan and a snake.

Amaterasu is the Japanese Sun Goddess and is depicted with rays of light spreading out from her head.

Most mother Goddesses can be seen to represent summer, although some are clearly more autumnal than others.

In the summer, most of us try to spend time at the sea, on beaches or near large bodies of water. This is very much a Goddess domain and in visiting these places, spending time there, making offerings, we are connecting with the summer goddess.

Enjoy the warm days filled with light and sunshine xx


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

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

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

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

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

Storytelling and Creativity

The Winter Solstice is a time for storytelling. Now many people may think that this doesn't apply, as they don't have children. Well you don't need to have children or work with children to do this - you can write stories down. This can be purely for yourself, or as potential books. Storytelling does not have to be children's stories. This is a creative activity that keeps your synapses firing through the winter months. It is an age-old tradition and one that brings creativity into other aspects of your life.

You don't have to limit your storytelling. You can paint a scene, work it into a tapestry/crochet/weaving/stained glass etc.

This is the time of year for doing indoor activities and for tapping into your psyche. This can be carried over into ritual, used to learn more about a god/dess myth/hero legend.

If you are not very good at beginning this kind of activity there are storytelling cards out there. Alternatively, look at your pack of tarot cards and see if one of these has enough on it to get your creative juices flowing - in fact, looking at any kind of painting/picture or listening to music can help in this kind of activity.

Best wishes and 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

Yule Approaches

As we approach the dark of the moon, it is a good time, given the time of year, to think about what we have lost, given up, cast aside, or is not currenty working out in our lives. We want to pave the way for a happy and warming Yule, and so doing this now is both beneficial and timely.

Yule is the time of year when we think of family, of feasting and of giving. It is time for gathering round the fire (if you're lucky enough to have one) and of telling stories and eating well.

In these hard times it is a good idea to thnk about money as well. Rather than buying your child those expensive toys/gifts, why not make something for them>? That goes for friends and relatives alike. You don't have to be able to knit/crochet or make jewellery, although all of these are wonderful ideas. All you need is to be able to bake. If your kids don't appreciate home baking them make up a pack of games for them. Cards that have ideas written on them - 'pretend you're lost in a forest - how would you find your way out?' and so on. It stimulated the imagination and can keep them amused for days.

Remember gifts thwt were homemade that you got as a child and enjoyed them - make them for your own children.

Adding the personal touch at Yule can be far more rewarding than spending a fortune. We will be baking most of our gifts this year as finances are very tight.

I wish you, one and all, great blessings this yuletide!


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 Goddess

One thing I think many of us find lacking in our lives is finding the time to simply connect with the Goddess. This is so fundamental in pagaism, goddess spirituality and many other traditions/religions, that we almsot overlook it in our daily lives but it is so vital and something that, once youdo try it, is so uplifting, rewarding and empowering that we find ourselves wondering why we haven't done it before/continueddoing it.

The truth is, many of us find we lack the time, or we are feeling out of sorts and therefore in a bad place, not in the mood to do it.

By connecting, we gain new strength, insight, knowledge that we are not alone, love and humour in which we can feel renewed and ready to face anything.

Simple meditation will do this, as will little prayers.

I know, most people think of prayer and think Christianity, Islam and Judaism but prayer has been about for thousands of years, before any of these religions existed. Prayer is transreligious/prereligious and is not exclusive to any one path.

Spiral Goddess website is a wonderful place for such things. The link here is for the prayer and blessing section but please have a good look through this lovely site. Abby Willowroot wrote these lovely words and has copyright for them.

Do you have a partron deity or do you have a group that you like to connect with? As my site suggests, Bride/Brigit is my patron but I also love to visit with other goddesses and often ask help from other relevant deities. Try different pantheons occasionally, ones you would not necessarily noramlly use.

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

November and Total Solar Eclipse

Firstly, I would like to talk about November. This month has a lot going on, especially this week.

Today is the end of the half month of Nagal, in the runic calendar, and tomorrow is the start of the half month Nyd. In the runic/norse tradition, november is the Fog Moon. I don't know where you live just now but here in Scotland it is misty at the moment and is looking to be misty all week, save Thursday! A aptly named moon, for a change :D

This week also sees the Festival of Feronia, a Roman festival information on this here: Feronia, as well as the birthdays of Israel Regardie (famous Golden Dawn member and writer)on Saturday.
Tomorrow night is also the New Moon, which makes tonight the Dark of the Moon. This i8s a very good time to look at yourself, to look at what you are working on, and for self dedications/self initiation. Hekate is the Goddess of this type of work, as she is the Goddess of initiations, of the dark of the moon and of the winter months which are almost upon us.

We are currently, in Native American tradition, in the Month of the Snake, which ends next week, 22nd. The 23rd will be the Month of the Owl. The Snake is all about wisdom, renewal and transformation.

On a Celtic note, we are in the Month of the Celtic Tree Reed (or Dwarf Elm here in the UK). This also ends next week - 24th - and the Elder takes over on the 25th. The Month of the Reed/Dwarf Elf is about the mysteries of death (again the association with Hekate) and the hidden basis for all life. It is a wonderful time of year to do divination and to use music in your magic, esp flutes/bagpipes/wind instruments. This tree is sacred to Saturn and Odin. This is a very good time to do psychic workings. Elm has great protective qualities 9can be used as protective talisman)and is a feminine tree. Using this tree in spells makes them more stable and more likely to go the way you want them to.

The Total Solar Eclipse takes place on the 13th (14th in Australia) of this month. It will be visible in the S Pacific, N New Zealand, N Australia and the very W parts of South America. Best of luck to anyone able to see it.

Eclipse energy is very special and if possible, should be used. It is the connection of the earth's eergy with that of the moon during the day and should be harnessed. This is earth and lunar magic at it's peak :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

Harvest Moon

This is the last moon of the mother, before we enter the time of the Crone. It is the harvest moon, the time of plenty and feasting before the time of strife, cold and inner learning.

The Harvest Moon is the full moon aclosest to the Autumn Equinox. it is always in September and it was with the light from this moon that farmers would be able to bring in the last harvest.

This is a time of enjoying the last bounties of the autumn before winter sets in and we have fewer fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables available.

At this time of year we start to want to learn new crafts and try new spells/meditations/divinations. It is a time of devling inward and learning more about ourselves.

If you have never tried scrying, now is a good time to start. It is about losing focus while focussing on an object. A candle or a silver coin in a dark bowl of water, or a crystal or incense. Focus on it and then let that focus pause, so you are almost looking at the space between the object and your nose (and I don't mean looking at the floor - it's like taking a step out of yourself). There's a good chance you won't see or feel anything initially - it can be a little uncomfortable and frustrating at first but do persist. This unlocks a door within your mind that holds magic and meditations, akashic records and spirit guides.

We are an ever evolving species and it is through working with other levels of our mind that we will continue to evolve.

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

Hexing

OK, probably going to get a lot of flack for this but this is me stating opinion and not telling people how to live.

Hexing is a form of cursing and is something you do not take on lightly. Indeed, many, if not most pagans would say it is something you should never touch. I don't agree but I have a big, big rule about this (and I'd like to stress that I have never cursed or hexed anyone and I hope to never do it).

That big, big rule is JUSTICE. You do not hex or curse someone who bullies you, as much as you'd like to, or someone who stole your boyfriend/girlfriend. Now if someone stabbed said partner and got away with it, then hexing may be in order.

Many people, Wiccans especially, believe in the rule of 3 - that which you give out comes back to you x3. Now, as a scientist I know this is physically impossible but what you give out DOES come back - that's the law of physics for you. So you must be very, very sure about what you are doing when it comes to hexing. Having justice on your side is, I feel, the only way you can avoid a lot of crap.

Hexing is something for serious injustices. A loved one is raped or murdered and the perpetrator gets away with it, somebody otherwise physically and emotionally scarred by an attack and the perpetrator gets away with it and so on. See the pattern here? If someone goes to jail for the crime, then you cannot on all consciousness hex them, as they are being punished. This is less about vengeance and more about balancing the scales.

Some people say that karma catches up with these people eventually. I don't agree, but again, that's a personal opinion.

The amount of energy and darkness you need to put into a hex to make it work means you need to have some serious but controlled anger. Injustice gives you that.

The other thing is that in this the punishment should not suit the crime - we are not christians of old, and an eye for an eye is simply petty. You want justice, so making your intended so uncomfortable that they need to confess is the key.

I'm not going to give out any spells. Any I know are dark and nasty and I don't think they should be made public. I'm sure there are spells on the internet that work fine. Obtaining something from the person - a hair or nail, or even an object is usually called for. This is not sympathetic magic, it's full on dark stuff and the only way to stay clear of that negative energy is to do this with love in your heart for the victim and anger for the injustice done.

I do ask that anyone thinking of hexing someone needs to take a long hard look at the reasons why they are doing it first, the possible repercussions and how they are going to go about it.

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

The autumn equinox is almost upon us, being on the 22nd of September this year. As mentioned in the previous post, it is about contrasts, night and dark, light and dark, inner and outer. This is a time of balance and taking a long hard look at ourselves.

A very good ritual is to spend some time looking over the good and bad of the last year. Write them down. What would you change about any decisions you have made in this time? What do you wish to accomplish in the next year?

This is a highly psychological testing of ones self. In the old days, for those inclined, this would have been a time of vision questing, of looking ahead as well as behind.

This is also a highly practical time for looking at your home and lifestyle, preparing for the winter ahead. Do you have a back-up plan for when the inevitable power cuts happen? Candles, matches, an alternative sounrce of heat. Many older people die due to lack of heating in winter blackouts. It is a good time to make sure elderly neighbours are also prepared. Do you ha=ve a gas cooker, or a camping stove? It is a good time to stock up on tinned provisions and for making sure we have a reliable can opener :D

A check-up at the doctor is a good idea fi you have nopt had an annual MOT. Get a check-up, make sure you are up to date with your medications and you have some salt stored up for icy pathways.

It is a good time to go through your book stores and see what you wish to keep and wish to pass on, either selling or giving to charity.

A spiritual ritual for the equinox is to light a candle or lantern and set it onto water, which is moving away from a shore - so a river or the sea. However, many people complain about candlewax so lanterns may be a better option. This is a symbol of saying farewell to the light, and you can add a promise, wish or blessing with it.

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

It’s my favourite time of the year and colour is bursting everywhere! Rowan berries weigh the trees down and leaves are turning reds, golds and oranges. Flowers are still in bloom and the sky is a myriad of unusual colours every day and evening. The earth breathes in before the long cold winter ahead.

It’s a bit chillier up here in the highlands of Scotland, so we have the wood burner on already, just to take the edge off the chill and keep the damp at bay. If the rain would stop long enough we would go foraging for mushrooms and any berries the birds may have left on the bushes.

It is the time of year to take stock of all that has happened of the last year, to weigh our pluses and minuses, to measure our adventure through life. What will we change about ourselves, our life, work and play over the next year?

The Equinox brings that time of looking hard at ourselves, out expectations and stopping anything that isn’t working. It is about the balance of light and dark, positive and negative, of night and day and the initiation process. Do we begin courses now, or look within?

This is one of the most challenging times of year because it requires us to be extremely honest with ourselves and with our lives. We need to know what measures up and to cut what doesn’t.

This is the time of study and that may be, as mentioned, a course, or study into our own psyche.

Good hunting :D

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

July into August

This is a doing time of year. We want to be outside, moving aout, feeling the sun on our skin and smelling the breeze from the ocean. On the 21st of July we crossed from the Month of the Woodpecker to that of the Salmon. Salmon start their trip from the sea back to the rivers for spawning around this time. It is all about action. What do you need to do? What actions are needing to be carried out in your life at the moment?

We have also entered into the Holly tree from the oak tree. This occurred at the start of July,. the 8th. I always think of the Holly tree asa winter tree, so this surprises me every year!

Today (26th) is also the first quarter of the moon. So this is very much a doing time. If you want to do something, now is a very good chance.

As we approach August and the temperatures rise (or fall in the Southern hem), we come closer to the harvest that is Lughnasadh, or Lammas to many. In the Southern hem this is the time of Imbolc, of new beginnings, of brining Bride back into the home. For us in the north, it is a time of preparing for the winter ahead. We approach, slow and steady, like a galleon on open seas, the darker, colder days and try to make as ready as we can everything we will need to face that.

Lughnasah is about the feast. It is a time of games, of doing, competing and sharing. We need to gather for the coming time of less.

I've already seen chanterelle muchrooms in the woods! Quite early, as are the masses of rwan berries on the trees, a sign that winter will arrive earlier than usual. Many of the berries were already red and abundant, which is, I was always told as a child, a sign of a harsh winter ahead. it's a sign that the trees are trying to send out as many berries as possible to ensure some take and grow.

Bit of a babble this blog! Making things for Lughnasah, from pies and cakes, to stews and breads, cooking is part of the festival of light that is Lughnasadh. If you have children, play games and get them involved, if not, find games you can play yourself!

Enjoy the harvest!

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

Spells - how to do them - intro

Many of us want to do a spell but don't know where to begin. There are so many books out there that talk about spells but how do we go about making our own?

Magic is about affecting change in, hopefully, a positive way. We are trying to bring something into our lives, or remove something from our life, depending on which part of the moon phase we work with.

First things first. Intent. You cannot simply ask for money. You need to have a goal for the money in the first place - 'I really need money to pay this bill/buy this car/repay this friend' etc.

Same for anything else - 'I want this job, as long as it is right for me' or 'keep my home safe'.

Think about what you want and have a particular request. Vague = no result.

Using planetary magice can boost your request, so you think about what you want, say a promotion or new job. Jupiter is the Planet of success/career and legal matters, so you would work your spell on a thursday. A royal blue candle would be used and cedar/nutmeg etc would be the oil/incense. If you are using candle magic, run the oil onto the coloured candle (beeswax is better for your health and the environment, as it doesn't contain paraffin).

Think about your goal as you rub the oil along the length of the candle. You can ask your patron god/dess, angel or whomever you work with, or simply ask Jupiter (god and planet) for this. see yourself getting that promotion/new job. See yourself happy and doing the work. Light the candle and hold it, continuing your visualisation.

Do this for several nights of the growing moon (if it is a waning moon, you could ask for obstactles to your goal to be removed (as long as it harms none and doesn't remove relationships you want to maintain)). Remember that you can work with either phase of the moon, just think about it in a specific way. You want to bring new, healthy approaches into your life, waxing moon. You want to lose weight or stop smoking - waning moon etc.

On the last night, bind the spell. you could do this every night but it seems more logical to do this on the last night, as the spell is then complete.

Starhawk has a good binding a spell in her book, The Spiral Dance - 'When you have finished casting a spell, visualise yourself tying a knot in a cord wrapped around the symbol or image on which you have focused. Tell yourself you are setting the form of the spell....Say,
By all the power
Of three times three,
This spell bound around
Shall be.
To cause no harm,
Nor return to me.
As I do will,
So mote it be!'

This should be done when the candle has burned down completely. you can thrown any remains in a fire if you have access.

Then let the spell go. Do not keep thinking about it. You have put it out there.

Whether you use candle magic, cord magic, talismans or whatever form the spell takes, binding it completes it and states to the universe that this is what you wish to bring into your life (or the life of a friend).

Intent is key.

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

Give thanks and get tactile!

Giving thanks is not the first thing many pagans think of, except at the end of a ritual, thanking any beings that have been asked to attend.

At this time of year especially, when food is so abundant and the weather is (hopefully) half decent, it is a good time to give thanks. Thanks for the bounty, for the sunshine, for the fresh air and the people you love around you.

This is also a psychological benefit, especially for people who are suffering depression or are in a rut. thinking about what you have, rather than what you don't have can be uplifting and have a positive effect on the way you view yourself and life around you.

Whenever I am down because life has thrown me a whammy, I like to think that ok, this sucks, but at least I have...

The gods honour us in so many ways, it's nice to think about them and offer a small prayer or offering.

Something else that I love about this time of year is the abundance of food. Most pagans I know love their food. I am no exception and finger food is one of the most sensual, enjoyable ways to eat at this time of year. Summer is an especially good time, as we are less likely to be having soups/stews/casseroles, and more likely to be having salads/burgers/fajitas/hummus/strawberries etc. getting your hands on your food, especailly at a barbeque is a wonderful way of feeling closer to your food, to nature and adds a new dimension to the food itself.

My book is now available in paperback as well as Kindle. It is aimed at early teens as well as adults, so if you know anyone who might be interested, please pass the links on. Thank you and have a wonderful summer!

Here is the link and the description:

Kindle:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Stone-Sword-N-Roy/dp/1477466347/ref=tmm_pap_title_0/279-1528994-5900510?ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Paperback:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Stone-Sword-N-Roy/dp/1477466347/ref=tmm_pap_title_0/279-1528994-5900510?ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Description:
"The Old Ones wove the light of the world into that small stone, a part of the primordial fire from whence everything formed. That small stone has the power to end everything as we know it"

16 year old Charlie Larson leaves California for 6 weeks in the Scottish Highlands. Before long he is thrust into a new world of magic, myth and mystical beings where he is the only person who can rescue his kidnapped brother and save the human world!

Taken from Celtic/Scottish lore, this story weaves the modern world into the fabric of the Sidhe (fairy) world in rural Scotland.

Blessed Summer Solstice

Today, and not tomorrow, as some people assume, is the Summer Solstice. This is when the sun is at its peak with regard to the earth. It is also a strong god energy and is a wonderful time for healing and any kind of action/active energy workings. Get outside, enjoy the sun, the breeze and hopefully not the midges! Blessings on this Solstice xxx

Special Full Moon on Mondaysm, witchcraft, spells

This Monday (the 9th of January), is the full moon. A full moon falling on a Monday is especially fortuitous for magic/spells/divination and any psychic workings. Monday is the day of the week represented in planetary magic as the Moon and a full moon is where the power reaches its peak, so it is one of the most powerful times for working with this type of energy (the only times when it is more powerful is when it falls on a blue moon and on Halloween).

So all those witchy types out there get your spellcasting to the ready, this is the best time to do this.

Finally, a wee note re New Year resolutions. The reason so many of these fail is that they should be done around Imbolc rather than at the very start of the year. Imbolc is all about new beginnings and January is the clearing time, a time of ridding certain things. If you want to get rid of negative thought-patterns or negative eating habits, then now is a good time but if you want to begin a new health regime/fitness programme etc, it is best to do this at Imbolc.

BB

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