Calendar of the Moon for May 2nd

Calendar of the Moon

Hawthorn Tree Month

Color: Purple
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a cloth of purple place a vase of the budded hawthorn twigs, a knife, incense of gardenia and marjoram, and a figure of the Goddess.
Offerings: Contemplate something that is both beautiful and painful.
Daily Meal: Serve fruit juice with the food.

Huath Invocation
Call: Now is the time of the flower’s blossoming.
Response: Now is the time when the hand reaches forth to pluck.
Call: Now is the time when we struggle with our instincts…
Response: To take beauty for ourselves, or to leave it in its place.
Call: Now is the time when we must remember that all plants are not ours.
Response: We did not plant the forest, and it does not belong to us.
Call: We were not the first beings on this earth.
Response: We have come young and late, and the trees look down upon us.
Call: They groan from the centuries of our meddling.
Response: They grow thorns to protect themselves.
Call: Now is the time when the hawthorn goddess steps forward.
Response: Now is the time when the heartless lady lifts her hand.
Call: Now is the time of great beauty in the world.
Response: Now is the time when Nature protects her beauty.
Call: The hawthorn goddess stabs us to the heart with beauty.
Response: She reminds us of our place in the world.
Call: She reminds us that we do not own this green planet.
Response: She reminds us that our grasping fingers can still bleed.
Call: She makes the hedges that our animals cannot cross.
Response: She sets the boundaries that no man may cross.
Call: She makes our hearts beat faster or slower.
Response: Her berries are sweet, but she protects them.
Call: We must respect her as we respect the Earth….
Response: The Green Man falls before her, heedless and headless.
Call: She is the blade of all trees, and we shed our blood for her.
Response: She is the teeth of Nature, and we give way before her might.

Chant:
Cauldron of Changes
Blossom of Bone
Arc of Eternity
Hole in the Stone

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for Friday, May 2nd

Calendar of the Sun

Media Ver

Color: Green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a green cloth set growing herbs and flowers in pots, a pitcher of rainwater, small dishes of late-sowed seeds such as lettuce (as many as there are people), a flower wreath, and a single green candle.
Offerings: Seeds to be planted in the garden.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian

Media Ver Invocation

Earth, you have awakened to our touch!
The winds have stirred you,
The rain has nourished you,
The sun has opened your eyes.
Your million mouths open
On the unfolded leaves of every tree.
We glory in your abundance,
In the dance of your youth,
And we dance for your brilliant life
And your new season.
Yet now is the time when the real work begins.
If we would keep what we have sown,
We must not stop here,
But we must labor for the sustenance
Of our creation, as it has always been.
For the first growth is a miracle from the Gods,
But the second growth is the miracle unseen,
From the labor of our hands,
Which is also sacred.

Chant:
Green growing
Green Man knowing
Path of striving
Way of opening

(Each takes a pot of seeds and goes to the garden, and hoes or otherwise prepares a space for planting, and then plants their seeds, chanting while doing so. The pitcher of rainwater is carried out and ritually poured onto the seeds. Weeding should also be done at this time, and the care for plants that have already broken the surface.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for May 2 is Waxing Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waxing/12% of Full)

During this Moon phase, there is a slight slowing down of enthusiasm due to an emerging desire to produce tangible results from the energy being expended. The issue of values enters into the equation and an urge to tie together the data available so that you can utilize current opportunities. There is still plenty of forward motion, and this is a great time to continue initiating and progressing forward. This Moon phase favors gaining more information and the input of others to further your plans.

The Witches Magick for May 2nd – ‘Invocation to Mother Earth/the Goddess/Gaia Spell’

Celtic Comments & Graphics

Casting Instructions for ‘Invocation to Mother Earth/the Goddess/Gaia Spell’

 

Cleanse your space as you would usually if inside(even though outside is preferable but alas it can be difficult.)

Stand facing east and say:

”I call to the forces of air to watch over my rite and to offer assistance and protection and to protect me from harm. Hail and welcome”

Bow your head and turn to face the south, say again:

”I call to the forces of fire to watch over my rite and to offer assistance and protection and to protect me from harm. Hail and welcome”

Again bow your head and turn to the west repeating:

”I call to the forces of water to watch over my rite and to offer assistance and protection and to protect me from harm. Hail and welcome”

After bow in reverence to the element turn north and say:

”I call to the forces of earth to watch over my rite and to offer assistance and protection and to protect me from harm. Hail and welcome.”

Place the elemental weapons in there cardinal points. The wand in the east quarter, the dagger in the south, the cup to the west and finally pentacle to the north. Above the wand trace the invoking pentagram of earth and say:

”I invoke the power of earth, i invoke the power of Gaia.”

See the pentagram of earth being burned into the air glowing with a pure brilliant white. Feel the power in you rise, when you can feel the pentagram there move onto the dagger and repeat. Also repeat this with the cup and the pentacle.

Go to the centre and see the pentagrams flaming and glowing about you. Stretch you arms above your head and look to the heavens and in a strong, clear voice with passion say:

”I invoke the power of my eternal spirit. Invoked the power of Gaia”

At this point visualize white beams of light coming from the pentagrams surrounding you and meeting at the crown of your head. Feel the power root you to the earth let it flow throughout your whole being.

After this face the direction of earth, the north, and say again with feeling and heart:

”I come here today to celebrate and invoke the power of Gaia she is reborn into the maiden. With her she brings new life, love and change. The wheel of the year turns yet again. I invoke you gia.”

Turn to the east and pick up your wand. Hold it in front of you and say:

”I invoke the airy nature of earth free flowing but still solid and strong. I invoke you Gaia.”

Again feel your power rise. Place the wand down and turn to the south.

Hold your dagger high and say:

”I invoke the fiery nature of earth volatile and destructive. I invoke you Gaia.”

Pace the dagger down and turn west. Hold aloft the cup and say:

”I invoke the watery nature of earth, subtle, in movement and of power. I invoke you gia”

Place the cup down and turn to the north.

Pick up your pentacle and say:

”I invoke the true nature of earth, solid, dense, grounding, powerful. I invoke you Gaia“

Stay facing north go back to the centre and stand beneath the point where the pentacles have met up. Look upwards and say:

”I invoke the earth aspect of my sprit. I invoke you Gaia”

Pick up the crystal and hold it in front of you and say:

”this crystal is part of me, it comes from the earth. I invoke you Gaia”

Now for the last invocation. The energies around you will be chaotic and rushing all aspects of earth represented feel them and then stabilize them and when you feel that this has been done say in a strong, loud and clear voice:

”Gaia your child speaks to thee. I ask for your help, guidance, power, and protection. You are nature. You are Devine. I celebrate you in all your forms. Gaia I invoke you come into me. This is my will and my power so mote it be.”

Repeat the invocation until you feel an immense force come from beneath you and enter into your being. A feeling of change and manifestation will take over you. DO NOT FIGHT IT. Also Gaia  will give you a word of power which you can use in rites and spells. Once this word is spoken the invocation is over and you shall return to your normal state. Approach the food and wine and say:

”Now to eat and drink in celebration of the Mighty Mother.”

Once you have finished. Thank the elements and gia and close as usual.

With the power given to you from Gaia, you may wish to change some into a crystal, ambulate or talisman in honor of her.

 

Source:

Spells Of Magic.com

Contributed by ladyoblivion

 

Invocation of The Morrigan

Celtic Comments & Graphics

Invocation of The Morrigan

 

Morrigan Morrigan three times three,
Hear the words I ask of thee.
Grant me vision, Grant me power,
Cheer me in my darkest hour.
As the night overtakes the day,
Morrigan Morrigan light my way.
Morrigan Morrigan Raven Queen,
Round & round the Hawthorn green.
Queen of beauty, Queen of Art,
Yours my body, Yours my heart.
All my trust I place in thee,
Morrigan Morrigan Be with me.

Invocation of the Goddess

Celtic Comments & Graphics
Invocation of the Goddess

Stand in the Goddess position (standing, legs apart, hands apart, like a star) and say:

Gracious Goddess,
You who are the Queen of the Gods,
the lamp of night,
the creator of all that is wild and free;
Mother of woman and man;
Lover of the Horned One and protectress of all that is Wicca:
Descend, I pray,
with your lunar ray of power
upon my circle here!

Invocation of the God

Celtic Comments & Graphics
  INVOCATION OF THE GOD

Stand in the God position (standing, legs together, power hand (the hand you write with) on your chest, and your receptive hand (not the hand you write with) on top of it) and say:

Blazing God,
You who are the King of the Gods,
Lord of the Sun,
Master of all that is wild and free;
Lover of the Moon Goddess and protector of all the Wicca:
Descend, I pray,
with your solar ray of power
upon my circle here!

Let’s talk Witch – Invocations

Celtic & British Isles Graphics
Let’s talk Witch – Invocations

There may be many times where during a ritual or spell you may wish to call upon a certain deity or conjure an image or such to help in fulfilling your magickal need. This can be done by either of two methods (that I know of) – invoking and conjuring.
Invoking involves the inviting of a deity or deities to either watch or participate in your ritual/spell. This is never forcefully done, as the deity must come of their own free will, and may not even wish to heed your call at all. Invoking is done every time you call upon the Goddes, God, elementals, watchtowers, faeries, etc and, as you may have already realised, does not actually involve the physical appearence of the deity, rather it is an open invitation for them to lend their power to your working in order for you to complete your ritual/spell. It is as simple as merely asking for them to lend assistance/support, and then thanking them once you are done.
Conjuring, however, is rather different and can take much skill (in some cases, depending upon intention) for it requires a great deal of power and focus. There are quite a few different ways in carrying out this process, and it usually relates to the type of conjure wanted. (I use the word conjure loosely) For instance, the ability to form out of nothing, an image (3D) of a wolf through use of visualisation, chants, etc. There are also quite a few references to conjuring throughout well known myths. Such can be seen in stories of Merlin and long gone Druids.

Celebrating Other Spiritual 365 Days A Year – Apple Blossom Festival

Celtic & British Isles Graphics

May 2nd

Apple Blossom Festival

The Apple Blossom Festival is one of the oldest flower fairs in the United States. Annually held in Washington State, this welcoming back of Spring heralds from New Zealand and celebrates the blossoming of the apple orchards.

With a rich and colorful history, the apple has been treasured by almost every culture of the world. The ancient Egyptians offered apples to Hapy, the God of the Nile. Norse priests were forbidden to eat apples, due to the fruit’s legendary lustful properties. Apples are still offered to the God Chango, in the religion of Santeria, for his continued blessings and protection.

House & Hearth Magick for Friday, May 2nd

Celtic & British Isles Graphics

House & Hearth Magick for Friday, May 2nd

Friday is a good day to cast for love, luxury, pleasure and entertainment.

Planetary Influence: Venus

Household Symbols: A seashell, a fountain, fresh flowers, your wedding ring or wedding photos red and or pink paper hearts, apples and cherries.

Colors: Pink and Aqua Green

Kitchen Spices: Thyme and sugar

Source:
Cottage Witchery
Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Ellen Dugan

The Witches Correspondence for Friday, May 2nd

Celtic & British Isles Graphics
The Witches Correspondence for Friday, May 2nd

 

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Sign: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow
Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.

The Witches Almanac for Friday, May 2nd

Celtic & British Isles Graphics

The Witches Almanac for Friday, May 2nd

Friday (Venus): Love, friendship, reconciliation and beauty.

Big Kite Flying (Japanese)

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Gemini

Gemini: Things begun now are easily changed by outside influence. Time for shortcuts, communication, games and fun.

Incense: Mint

Color: Pink

Wake Up, Peeps! It’s Finally Friday! We Made It Through Another Week! TGIF!

Friday Images
No way am I glad it is Friday, lol! I hope everyone has a very nice and blessed Beltane. Hopefully you didn’t celebrate to hard. I got to thinking this morning about Beltane and what it means. We all know it is a season of fertility and renewal. With that thought of renewal in mind, I ran across a Celtic Invocation that renews our pledge to our Divine Mother and Almighty Father. I believe it an appropriate way to start the day off. Enjoy!

 

Celtic Self- Initiation
 
I am mortal, loved and cared for by the
Triple Goddess and the Great God. Through
the Great Mother all things are born; to
her, all things, in their seasons, return.
Through her sacred cauldron, I enter and
leave this physical world, until by my
action I no longer must return to learn.
 
 
I, (your magickal name); come into this sacred
place willingly. I come to dedicate my life
to the Pagan way, to the Old Celtic Gods,
whose power is still strong and vital. Here
I give my word-bond to follow the ancient
paths that lead to true wisdom and know-
ledge. I will serve the Great Goddess and
give reverence to the Great God. I am a
Pagan, a stone of the ancient circle, standing
firmly balanced upon the Earth, yet open to
the winds of the heavens and enduring
through time. May the Old Celtic
Gods witness my words.

So Mote It Be.

Source:

Excerpt from Celtic Magic
Author D. J. Conway

Have a Very Happy & Blessed Beltane, my dear family & friends!

Beltane Comments & Graphics
Now let us all go in peace and love and celebrate this glorious Beltane Day.
Dance the May Pole, light a bonfire, make a Green Man Cake, no matter how you choose to celebrate, remember always our Divine Mother and Father who has given
us this blessed season of fertility. 

Wishing You & Yours A Very Happy & Blessed Beltane,

 May the Goddess Bless You & Keep You Always,

 Lady A & The WOTC

A May Day Carol


Beltane Comments & Graphics

A May Day Carol

Awake, awake, my pretty prithy maid,
Come out of your drowsy dream,
And step into your dairy hold,
And fetch me a bowl of cream
If not a bowl of cream, my dear,
A cup of meade to cheer,
For the Lord and Lady know we shall meet again,
To go Maying another year.
A branch of May I brought you here,
While at your keep I stand,
‘Tis but a sprout all budded out,
By the power of our Lady’s hand.
My song is done and I must be gone,
No longer may I stay,
Gods bless you all, the great and small,
And send you a joyous May.

Another Beltane Incense

Beltane Incense

Recipe by Scott Cunningham
3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Sandal wood
1 part Woodruff
1 part Rose petals
a few drops Jasmine oil
a few drops Neroli oil
Burn during Wiccan rituals on Beltane (April 30th) or on May Day for fortune and favors and to attune with the changing of the seasons.
(The above recipe for “Beltane Incense” is quoted directly from Scott Cunningham’s book “The Complete Book of Incenses, Oils & Brews”, page 60, Llewellyn Publications, 1989/1992.)

Beltane Ritual Potpourri

Beltane Ritual Potpourri

Recipe by Gerina Dunwich
45 drops frankincense oil
1 cup oak moss
1 cup dried bluebells
1 cup dried lilac
1 cup dried marigold
1 cup dried meadowsweet
1 cup dried rosebuds and petals
1 cup dried yellow cowslips
Mix the frankincense oil with the oak moss and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.
(The above recipe for “Beltane Ritual Potpourri” is quoted directly from Gerina Dunwich’s book “The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch’s Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes”, page 162, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995)

Beltane Bannocks – Scottish Oatcakes

Beltane Bannocks – Scottish Oatcakes

By

In parts of Scotland, the Beltane bannock is a popular custom. It’s said that if you eat one on Beltane morning, you’ll be guaranteed abundance for your crops and livestock. Traditionally, the bannock is made with animal fat (such as bacon grease), and it is placed in a pile of embers, on top of a stone, to cook in the fire. Once it’s blackened on both sides, it can be removed, and eaten with a blend of eggs and milk. This recipe doesn’t require you to build a fire, and you can use butter instead of fat.

 

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 C oatmeal
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 Tbs. butter
  • 1/2 cup hot water

Preparation:

Combine oatmeal, salt and baking soda in a bowl. Melt the butter, and drizzle it over the oats. Add the water, and stir the mix until it forms a stiff dough. Turn the dough out on a sheet of wax paper and knead thoroughly.

Separate the dough into two equal portions, and roll each one into a ball. Use a rolling pin to make a flat pancake that is about ¼” thick. Cook your oatcakes on a griddle over medium heat until they are golden brown. Cut each round into quarters to serve.

Traditionally, the Beltane bannock would have been made with meat fat, such as bacon grease, instead of butter. You can use this if you prefer.

 

Make Some for Fertility Bread for Beltane

Fertility Bread

By

 

Fertility Bread

 

Breads seem to be one of the staple foods of Pagan and Wiccan rituals. If you can tie your break baking into the theme of the Beltane Sabbat, even better. In this recipe, use an uncooked loaf of bread (available in the refrigerated section of your grocery) and turn it into a phallus.

To make your fertility bread, you’ll need the following:

  • 1 loaf refrigerated bread dough
  • Melted butter

The phallus bread, naturally, represents the male. He is the horned god, the lord of the forest, the Oak King, Pan. To make the phallus, use one of your refrigerated tubes of dough. Cut the dough into three pieces – a long piece, and two smaller, rounder pieces. The longest piece is, of course, the shaft of the phallus. Use the two small pieces to form the testes, and place them at the bottom of the shaft. Use your imagination to shape the shaft into a penis-like shape.

Once you’ve shaped your bread, allow it to rise in a warm place for an hour or two. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until golden brown. When it comes out of the oven, brush with a glaze of melted butter. Use in ritual or for other parts of your Beltane celebrations.

Admittedly, the one in the photo is a bit… thick, but hey, use your imagination!