Day: January 13, 2011

Domination Candle Spell

Burn white candles alongside the image of the Strength card drawn from the tarot deck of your choice. (Different decks, feature different interpretations of the image. choose one that resonates for you.) Contemplate the image while the candle burns, then place the card under your pillow where it should remain until the spell is no longer needed.

Do As I Say Oil Spell

This spell is particularly effective when the candle is burned in the presence of the target. (No need to explain why the candle is being burned, just have it blazing.)

  1. Should someone resist your advances, write their name on a piece of brown paper.

  2. Anoint it will a drop of Do As I Say Oil.

  3. Carve a purple candle or a figure candle that represents the target of the spell, and then dress it with Do As I Say Oil.

  4. Place the candle atop the paper and burn.

Commanding Oil: Do As I Say Oil Spells

Sweet flag (calamus) is prized for its aphrodisiac properties as well as its powers of command. Both influences are at play in Do As I Say Oil, also known as As You Please or As I Please Oil. Although it may also be used in business relationships, many spells using Do As I Say Oil possess an erotic component, as it combines the effects of a Commanding Oil with that of a seduction oil. Do As I Say Oil is one of the milder commanding condition oils. Its intent is to make others wish to please you.

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Bad feelings are burdens. When we get to the point of believing the whole world is sour because we don’t understand it, we have a lot of self-searching to do. Maybe we helped it to lose its sweetness. Maybe we’re the bad apple that soured the whole lot.

Our first thought should be to make amends. Sometimes we can’t, and when such is the case we need to get out of the way and let time and nature take its course.

Life is too beautiful to go on being a bitter pill that insists that everyone swallow it. As in the words of Caleb C. Colton, an English clergyman around the turn of the century, “the man who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own dispositions, will waste his life in fruitless efforts, and multiply the grief which he proposes to remove.”

We need to unburden ourselves by forgetting our problems and doing something that will put a smile on someone else’s face.

The quickest way to solve the problem of hurt feelings is to inquire if this situation is important to the whole of existence. Does this particular thing mean more than any of the other things of life? It is amazing how quickly trials fade into nothingness when faced with this question. It places before us the need to decide here and now the meaning of our whole existence.

There are not many things in our lives that we can truthfully say mean everything to us. The small things are important and very dear, but the really significant things we count on one hand – life, our loved ones, our good desires, our faith, and our nation.

One of the most magnified situations in this day is taking life too seriously. In the stress of too much mental confusion, we seem unable to laugh off so many little irritations. We let personality rule us into making each little problem the source of great anxiety and dramatically lay hold of it until it chokes us.

The worthwhile side of this life is too important to let ourselves become involved with things that mean little to us. Too much of the trouble in the world is caused from ego-building important that would never be missed in anyone’s existence.

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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 13

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 13

“When you remove love and try to replace it with monetary things, you’ve got nothing … Get him to understand that he has to love himself before he can love anything else.”

–John Peters (Slow Turtle), WAMPANOAG

It is said, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” That’s the trouble, most of us do.

Great Spirit, You are love; You are spirit. Spirit and love are interconnected. I am spiritual. Let me realize what I am really made of.

 

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January 13 – Daily Feast

 January 13 – Daily Feast

If we are not happy, it is because no one has given us permission to be. The hardships and stresses of those who went before us make us wonder if we have a right to do better. Do we have permission to outlive, outdo, outwork all those who went before us? Have we given our children permission to be stronger, better, and more intelligent than we are? The Cherokees have a word for it, adahenhdi, meaning the gift. Or have we told them to adhere to their roots instead of respecting them? Have we made them caretakers, or have we set them free to be strong builders on firm foundations? Permission is hard to come by when we wait and wait for someone to tell us we have done well, that we have earned the right to be mature, respected adults. No, we give ourselves permission to grow, to live long and well, to prosper and be in good health.

~ I can tell my children that the way to get honor is to go to work and be good men and women. ~

CHIEF RUNNING BIRD

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

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“The Goddess Companion”

“The Goddess Companion” 
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At daybreak, the rising sun stretches her arms.
At daybreak, the goddess rises  to her  feet.
She rises, driving out darkness from the land.
She rises, bringing daylight and birdsong to the land.
Beneath her, we move about, enjoying her warmth.
Above us, she moves about, moving westward.
She shines bright on the blooming collibah tree,
with its sprawiling roots, with its spreading branches.
~Dulngulg Song Cycle, Australian Mudbara People
  
Light grows daily stronger at this time of year, but it is hard to believe it, for the world still seems shrouded in wintery gloom. Yet daily, the sun rises earlier and sets later. Daily, the great round of the year reveals its mysteries once again.
  
So it is with our lives. We pass through periods where we believe that we will never find happiness again, that we will never find an end to pain, that we will forever suffer from frustration and unease and anxiety.But nothing lasts forever. The greatest pain, like the greatest joy, someday ends. True joy exists in learning to delight in the dance of life, not clinging to a certain day’s beauties or even to its pains. True joy exists in moving like the sun through each day, knowing that it will finally end but also that a new day will always dawn afresh.

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By Patricia Managhan

Crone’s Corner – MOON LORE

Crone’s Corner – MOON LORE

Moon Miscellany
  
New Moon – White Goddess of birth and growth.
Full Moon – Red Goddess of love and battle.
Old Moon – Black Goddess of death and divination.
  
All hail to thee, Queen of heaven!
Thou showest two horns to mark six days,
And on the seventh will divide thy crown in two.
On the fourteenth day, turn thy full face unto us.
  
Seven is the Moon’s mystic number, because each one of its four phases is completed in seven days.
 
Nineteen is a sacred number in Old Irish and Celtic lore, for the sequence of Moon phases within a single zodiac sign is repeated every 19 years.
 
The Mansions of the Moon, abodes of the soul, refer to the position of the Moon at noon on each of the 28 days in a lunar month.
 
Bow to the new Moon, especially the first new Moon of the year, as a sign of respect. It is courting disaster to point at the Moon at any time. Turn a silver coin in your purse or pocket at the first sight of the new Moon to gain luck.
It is bad luck to see the new Moon for the first time on your left, or behind you, or through the branches of a tree. A new Moon on Saturday means foul weather. A full Moon on Sunday brings bad luck and toilers of the sea should not set sail.
 
The Roman astrologers of classical times considered the Moon sign of a horoscope to be of far greater significance than the Sun sign.
 
Marsilioi Ficino, the Florentine philosopher of the Renaissance, defined the planetary image of the spirit of the Moon as an archer riding a doe, a huntress with bows and arrows, a little boy, a goose, or a single arrow.
 
Diana, goddess of the Moon and patroness of witches, was regarded as a demon by the early Christians.
 
Waxing: as the size of the Moon increases, its form takes the shape of the capital letter D: D for Daring. This marks a time for creativity, expansion, and development. You may glance up at the sky in the late afternoon to see the pale waxing half Moon beckoning. Later on as darkness falls, it shines like a beacon of hope in the west, raising your spirits and assuring the success of your ventures.
 
Waning: rising later night after night, the Moon diminishes in size, now assuming the form of the letter C: C for Caring. The time has come to relax, restore energy, and quietly dispel negative influences in your life. Banish fear, unworthy desires, and selfish motivations as the Moon wanes.
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Excerpted From Elizabeth Pepper, The Witches’ Almanac, Ltd.

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 GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archives

The Herban Corner – Recipes for Making Herbal Vinegars

The Herban Corner – Recipes for Making Herbal Vinegars

Whichever steep method you use, the following recipes will provide a
delightful herbal vinegar for a variety of uses. We’ve selected base
vinegars which we have found work well with the herbs in each individual
recipe. But once again, let your palate be your guide. The recipes are all
for two cups of vinegar, and may be increased for larger batches. All of
the herbs must be fresh, not dried.

Bouquet Garni Herbal Vinegar–
Use this vinegar to deglaze a pan after sautéing meats, in a salad
dressing, or in a marinade for any type of meat.
¼ C. Rosemary
¼ C. Thyme
¼ C. Parsley
6-8 fresh Bay Leaves
2 C. White Wine Vinegar

Fines Herbes Herbal Vinegar–
This light vinegar gets its flavor from the four fine herbs of classic
French cooking.  It gives a nice flavor to sautéed or steamed vegetables,
and makes a nice salad dressing.
¼ C. Parsley
¼ C. French Tarragon
¼ C. Chives
¼ C. Chervil
2 C. Champagne Vinegar

Lemon Herbal Vinegar–
Use this tart vinegar to give a zip to vegetables, in a refreshing salad
dressing, or in a chicken marinade.
¼ C. Lemon Thyme
¼ C. Lemon Grass
¼ C. Lemon Balm
¼ C. Lemon Verbena
1 T. Lemon Peel
2 C. White Wine Vinegar

Provençal Vinegar–
The flavors of Herbes de Provence are excellent for marinating pork and
lamb, and a light touch pairs well with seafood.
¼ C. Thyme
¼ C. Basil
¼ C. Summer Savory
¼ C. Sage
2 T. Rosemary
2 T. Lavender Blooms
6 Fresh Bay Leaves

Salad Herbal Vinegar–
Use this tart vinegar alone as a light, fat-free salad dressing, or
combine it with some olive oil,salt and pepper to make a mellower
dressing. It also make a great red meat marinade.
¼ C. Thyme
¼ C. Greek Oregano
¼ C. Marjoram
¼ C. Chive Blossom (or Chives if not in bloom)
½ C. White Wine Vinegar
½ C. Red Wine Vinegar

Use your imagination to create your own herbal vinegars. And don’t be
afraid to add spices to the vinegars. We’ve added peppercorns, cardamom,
whole allspice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and crushed red pepper. You can
use dill, caraway and celery seeds. And blooms make delightful vinegars
and a beautiful presentation in the bottles. We’ve used sweet violet,
lavender,
nasturtium, society garlic, dill, chive, and Spanish tarragon blooms. Keep
experimenting! Your personal creativity is where the fun begins in making
herbal vinegars.

Additional combinations we’ve used:
For Pork: Sage, Thyme, Bay Leaf, Pepper Corns
For Fish: Dill, Tarragon, Lemon Thyme, Parsley, Lemon Peel
For a beautiful rose colored vinegar: Opal Basil, Chive Blooms
For a spicy vinegar: Cilantro, Savory, Marjoram, Thyme, Crushed Red
Pepper

Classic Tarragon Vinegar: French tarragon in champagne vinegar.

From Lingles Herbs

 

Spell of the Day – Smooring Ritual

 

Spell of the Day –  Smooring Ritual 
 
In ancient times, the hearth-fire was rarely allowed to go out, especially in winter. When the fire had burned down to an ember, it was carefully preserved under a blanket of ashes. In Scotland, this was called “smooring,” and it was done in a ritualistic way. The embers were arranged in a circle divided into three parts, with an ember in the middle known as Tula nan Tri (Hearth of the Three). You can perform this fire magic with three candles, with a fourth in the center symbolizing what you wish to preserve and encourage in the season to come. Close your eyes and pass your hand over the candles, saying: 
 
I am smooring the fire
As Bridget would smoor.
The gods’ protection
Be upon the flame.
I will build this power
As I build the hearth
At the dawn of the red sun of day.
 
By: Sharynne NicMhacha

GENTLE ISIS

GENTLE ISIS
 
I was in despair, tired, achy
Feeling I could barely move…
I lay down and closed my eyes;
Then you floated down to me
And breathed into my mouth.
 
You restored my energy
With your Breath of Life
And like a loving mother,
Brushed me with rainbow wings.
Golden energy shimmered
 
Like a golden Circle in the room…
You said not a word, only smiled
But your love has lifted me up
Past my earthly worries.
Mother Isis, I thank You.
 
 

© Copyright 1/5/10
Beth Clare Johnson
(Mystic Amazon)

Understanding the Religion of Wicca and Practice of Witchcraft

Understanding the Religion of Wicca and Practice of Witchcraft  
 
 Wicca is an ancient belief system that has grown in popularity over recent decades. It is a neo-Pagan religion of nature and goddess worship, and a growinWicca was founded by Gerald Gardner, who was a British civil servant. He probably founded the religion of Wicca during the 1940s, but Wicca was not openly revealed until 1954. Gardner believed that Wicca was the original pre-Christian nature religion of the British Isles, and that its practices were handed down in secret for centuries.

Is Wicca the same as Witchcraft?
Wicca is often associated with witchcraft and the practice of magic, but they are not the same thing. Not all practitioners of Wicca are witches, and not all witches are practitioners of Wicca. Wicca is simply a religious belief, where people commune with nature and natural energy that they believe emanates around all living things. Wicca does not necessarily involve the practice of magic or the manipulation of energy forces.

How do People Practice Wicca?
People may be initiated into Wicca through ritual practices and demonstrations of their belief in nature, and gods and goddesses. These people may join a Wicca coven or group, where the religion can be celebrated as part of a social unit. They may consider themselves a family of nature lovers, and may partake in goddess worship.

Some people practice solitary Wicca, where they self-dedicate themselves to the tradition. They may practice their own version of goddess worship or enjoyment of nature and energy. Solitary Wicca practitioners might simply have a sacred space in their garden where they tend to nature, or they may have a preferred location perhaps in a wooded area or near running water, where they can commune with energy spirits.

So what is Wicca exactly?
Wicca is based on a belief in and worship of the goddess figure. The goddess is believed to be an omnipresent spirit who represents birth, life, death, and regeneration in nature. As part of this goddess worship, Wicca and witchcraft are similar in that both sometimes involve the practice of white magic or nature magic. Witchcraft does not necessarily require a belief in gods and goddesses, and is not a specific spiritual path, whereas Wicca is.

Witchcraft may also incorporate the practice of black magic, whereas Wicca most certainly does not condone such action. Wiccans believe in karma, natural energy, and that people reap what they sow. Therefore they must only share love and understanding with all living things, and always be thankful for the gifts they receive from the goddess and from nature.

History of Wicca
Gerald Gardner believed that Wicca descended from the ancient pre-Christian religion of the British Isles. This was the worship of a primeval goddess of fertility, and a horned god. Gardner termed this ‘the craft of the wise’ which of course became known as Wicca.

The witchcraft persecutions of the Middle Ages are believed to be Christianity’s attempt to stamp out the old nature religion of Britain. Wicca covens did survive in isolated areas however, though not necessarily under the same name.

Wicca in the 20th Century and Beyond
Wicca grew largely during the 1960s, which saw an expansion of Gardnerian covens. During the 1980s, Wicca expanded hugely, and covens spread throughout America, and were established in Australia, Canada, and several other countries. Raymond and Rosemary Buckland, initiated by Gerald Gardner, introduced Wicca to America when they moved to the country.

More recently Wicca has diversified as people have blended aspects of the religion to represent their own belief systems. Wicca has been mixed with traditions of Kabbalah, paganism, and of course, witchcraft. Alongside Gardnerian Wicca, several others have developed. These include Alexandrian Wicca, Celtic Wicca, Dianic or Feminist Wicca, Eclectic Wicca, and Faery Wicca, to name but a few. Ultimately Wicca is a peaceful, spiritual religion.

Sources:
Theresa Cheung, The Element Encyclopedia of the Psychic World, Harper Element Publishing, 2006

Copyright Catherine Green – republished with permission

Read more at Suite101: Understanding the Religion of Wicca and Practice of Witchcraft http://www.suite101.com/content/understanding-the-religion-of-wicca-and-practise-of-witchcraft-a317797#ixzz180anlLt6

Deity of the Day for 1/13: Morgan Le-Fay

Morgan Le-Fay

 

(Morgan the fairy)
Moon/Water/Winter
Celtic: British, Welsh Death goddess; Sovereignty goddess.

Morgan le Fay, Queen of Avalon, is a mysterious, complicated figure who takes several forms in Celtic mythology, British legends, and Anglo-French literature.

In legend, she is the half-sister of King Arthur and the mother of Sir Mordred by him. To Celts she was the Winter Goddess of Death and Darkness, and a Sovereignty Goddess. Some see her as a Celtic queen, and/or a Pagan Priestess.

Morgan le Fay is said to dwell with her eight sisters in Avalon, the fairy otherworld where they brought Arthur after his final battle. Morgan le Fay is also a literary figure, a Christianized version of the Celtic goddess MORGEN.

The “evil” things she did to Arthur were actually tests of his suitability for kingship, misinterpreted by Christian re-tellers of the ancient tales.This explains her conflicting roles as both black witch and Arthur’s healer and protector. It is also why there is no tale of Morgan and Merlin battling it out magically, as representatives of the opposing forces of good and evil.

King Accolon of Gaul is Morgan’s lover in some of the myths. She is the mother of Yvain (Owein), as well as of Mordred (Modred). She is usually depicted with dark hair or with red hair, and is described as an old woman who is ever young and beautiful.

Morgan le Fay is associated with the legendary Isle of Avalon and with the Orkney Islands, in Scotland. Drinking water blessed by her is said to provide instant healing.

Invoke Morgan le Fay for magic, enchantment, shape-shifting,healing, witchcraft, sorcery, glamoury, art, healing, protection, female power, sex magic, lunar magic, enchanting weapons, and creating magical weapons.

The Dark Time

The Dark Time  
by Shadow Hawk

It is the time of the Long Night, and I have laid my thick mantle upon the ground. The branches are bare, the water hardens, and life slows to a crawl.

Those that could have long since fled south to the warmth of my brother, Fire, and the lands of the Sun, while I walk the Earth that lays Submissive at my feet.

My breath runs hot, and my eyes are cold. Death is in the air, and the Moon reflects red off of my Horns.

Glistening like diamonds, the stars fill the night sky, and the wind howls like a lonesome wolf, and I feel the pulse of Her that fills my veins with heady wine. I lift my muzzle to the sky, and bugle my challenge loud and far. Who will meet my challenge? Who will Dance the Dance of Life with the Lord of Death? My hooves ring like steel against the stone beneath the snow, sparks lighting up the night, and the sounds of my movement shakes the slumbering trees.

From the forest, a soft glow appears. A woman old, and wrapped warmly against the wind approaches. Frail she seems, but there is fire in her eye. “I will dance the Dance” she says. Her legs begin to shuffle and sway, while I watch, intrigued by the woman, and I begin to answer her motion with movement of my own. And the Dance unfolded.

Round the forest we whirled, and the wrinkles slipped away from her. Younger she became, as veil after veil fell away, taking the years with them. The Stars danced above in silent awe, while the Moon flooded us with cold light. Faster and faster the dance went and our eyes grew wild with the thunder of the pulse of the dance, and our feet drummed the dance, hooves and horn, laughter and the slapping of feet pounded out the beat. And the steam rose from our bodies. The Earth herself split open from the Dance, and I led her down, down into the depths of the Earth, and she shed her veils along the way, twirling and swirling, and the Dance moved on. At last, I stood in the place of my Power, and the Throne of Death stood silently waiting.

“Milady, will you stay here at the Throne of Death with me and dance the Eternal Dance, for I am struck by your beauty and would have you for my Companion”.

“No, for I love you not”, was the reply.

Looking at the Radiant Woman who stood in front of me, I said, “Milady, you have Danced the Dance of Life with me as none has Danced before, what Boon may I grant you?”

With stars in her eyes, she replied, “I want the spirit of my Son returned to Life. I want to know the secrets of Death.”

“None has asked such a boon, how dare you so much?” I asked.

“The Earth needs my Son to live. They must have the light and joy of Spring, the Heat of Summer, and the Harvest of Fall to survive. They need my Son. The Dance must go on” she softly spoke.

“Then kneel, and learn the Secrets of Death”, I answered.

And I taught her, with pain and scourge, with laughter and love, with youth and age and darkness I taught her. I showed her the heights and the depths, and at last, I taught her the peace of the Slumber of the Dead.

Laying my Lady down in the Earth, she would sleep, and dream of Spring, and of the Dance, and the Seed in her belly would swell and bring life to a new world. And she and the child would Dance, and Sing, and grow old, and the child, lover, king will die. Once again, as the Circle goes round, she will come to me in the Woods, and we shall Dance the Dance of Life once more.

But for now, it is quiet and dark, and the Moon is bright, and the wind howls, and I walk the world alone.

20 Rules of Wisdom

20 Rules of Wisdom

(Author Unknown to Me)
 
1) Creator wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
2) Dear Creator, I have a problem, it’s me.
3) Growing old is inevitable, growing UP is optional.
4) There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
5) Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
6) Do the math….count your blessings.
7) Faith is the ability to not panic.
8) Laugh every day, it’s like inner jogging.
9) If you worry, pray. If you pray…don’t worry.
10) As a child of Creator, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.
11) Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of  shape.
12) The most important things in your home are the people.
13) When we get tangled up in our problems, be still;
Creator wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
14) A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15) He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16) We do not remember days, but moments.  Life is moving too fast – so enjoy your precious moments.
18) Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it’s just hearsay.
19) It’s all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you’re done.
20) Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you’re seeking require courage and risk taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.