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

Runes and divination

This is the time of year we tend to turn inward and begin looking to our studies in the field of witchcraft, druidry etc. We also look for guidance from divinatory and oracular sources.

Runes have been about for well over a millenia. They were used by Norse, Celtic, Saxon and a whole host of other peoples through time and were both used to divine the future and guidance and for protection/cursing and other forms of ward, amulet and talismen.

Runes are similar to the tarot in that each symbol has a meaning and together they tell a little about a situation or possible outcomes. Unlike the tarot, runes can also be used to protect possessions and homes, cars, people and so on. They draw in the energy that they symbolise.

A good introduction to runes is http://www.amazon.co.uk/Principles-Runes-only-introduction-youll/dp/0722538839/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351002931&sr=1-1
Actually, the principles range is good for many introductions to things - like wicca, paganism etc.

This book offers information on empowering yourself, healing, magic and divination. it's a great read if you can get it.

Runes hae been used in magic for a very long time and are often overshadowed by the tarot because they are seen as less glamorous, are not featured in movies as muchand just don't look as 'cool' as thecardsbut theyare at least as powerful. I strogly recommend dipping into this very useful system and making your own runes will offer far more power than any sop/internet bought set. Use wood, stone or bone.

Best of luck onyour journey :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

The witching month

This is the busiest and most witchy time of the year. Indeed, the Celtic (which also happens to be teh witch as well) New Year takes place on Hallowe'en.

October is the month of divination, crafts and getting out and about while its still warm enough to do that.

At this time of year we tend (for those of us inclined) to get the knitting needles/crochet hooks out, sewing kits, paints or whatever else you like to do that's crafty, to make things for the coming winter. These can be practical, for staying warm, or as gifts for others. This is why it is called witchCraft. We begin baking and really making home homey.

At the same time we want to know a little bit more about ourselves/our futures/ loved ones futures. We look inward for answers.

Divination comes in many forms, These include scrying, tarot, runes, crystal ball, oracles/omens, ogham and many other forms of looking.

We can also better see the skies at this time of year and this month we have 2 separate meteor shower. On the 7th and 8th of October are the Draconids (a good time to use ancestral spells/shamanic ancestor workings, anything to re-connect with family) and on the 21st are the Orionids (very good for astral work, connecting with the akashic records and past life regression works).

Both meteor showers are also a time for working with 2 elements in particular - fire and air.

Working on these nights is almost as powerful as working with storm energy but half as dangerous!

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

Fertility Goddesses

I’ve always thought it odd that some sites state appealing to Spring Goddesses for fertility when it is the mother goddesses you should really be leaning towards. After all, they are mothers.

Many people feel that the Spring time is the best time to do these kinds of spells and while I would agree that Spring is the best time of year, any time can be just as viable.

I feel that, before I go any further, I should make a couple of points. If you have actively been trying for a baby for more than a year, go to the doctor. If you have had at least 2 miscarriages (both with confirmed pregnancies before), go to the doctor. There are many reasons people cannot conceive and in many cases, it’s the stress of trying to have a baby. People will say, just relax, it’ll happen. I always found this to be the least helpful thing someone could say, because trying to relax can be one of the most stressful things you can do!

Another more mundane issue – if you are trying for a baby – cut out non-prescription drugs, alcohol, undercooked meat and undercooked eggs (no runny yolk alas). If you happen to like an occasional spliff, stop taking this as it will affect your chances of conceiving.

Finally, regular exercise before pregnancy is a good idea. Yoga is excellent but remember to switch to yoga for pregnancy exercises when you know you are pregnant, as there are many yoga poses you cannot do when pregnant.

So, onto the mother Goddesses:
Demeter – Greek mother goddess of fecundity, the harvest and abundance. Many prayed to her for babies, given how protective she was with her own daughter.

Ceres – Demeter counterpart in Rome, she is the mother of grain, fertility and agriculture.

Isis – perhaps the most famous Goddess around, her image was taken by Christianity and swapped for Mary and the baby Jesus. She is a mother Goddess, deity of the heavens and waters and much, much more.

Epona – Gaul/Briton or Celtic mother Goddess. Famous for running and winning a race while heavily pregnant.

Hera – given a bad rep due to Xena Warrior princess (:D), she is the penultimate Greek mother goddess.

Gaia – ultimate Greek mother goddess.

Rhea – a titan Goddess, mother of Zeus.

Frigg – wife of Odin, a Norse mother Goddess.

Durga – perhaps THE Hindu mother Goddess.

Akka – Finnish mother Goddess – her daughter, Sarakka, was especially beneficial to pregnant women.

There are many other out there. This is just a few. If there is a particular pantheon that you prefer to work with then use that pantheon. I have no particular pantheon, although I do work with a patron deity. I tend to ‘borrow’ others when I need to.

A small prayer to this deity that you choose to work with is usually a good place to start. A lot of pagans/witches think of praying as purely a Christian thing but this is very much not the case.

You can draw the energy of this mother deity in to you as the moon grows, asking her to help you conceive, or if you have conceived, to keep the baby, that both you and the baby remain healthy and well throughout the pregnancy.

Bride/Brigid is a midwifery deity. If you are successful and do not have a particular pantheon, or use the Celtic pantheon, she may be a good deity to ask for assistance from during labour.

Wishing you all the best. 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

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