Giving Thanks to the Goddess

Giving Thanks to the Goddess

 

When I ponder what you have done for me, in me, and what you are doing and will; I could thank you continuously and eternally but the words would fall so insignificantly off the edge of space – for they do not even begin to
describe the bliss you bring with even your slightest of blessings – truly the slightest thought of you.

“I Love You” is the reflex that pours forth from my lips whenever you draw my attention – truly when I give you my thanks, for my love for you envelops
my gratitude – but even in this the language is less than a shadow, as
insignificant as three grains of sand to the bottom of the ocean compared to
the depth, fullness, and power of my absolute devotion, dedication,
affection, and awe for you; and I am ever grateful that you, my magnificent
All, have shown me how to express it to you in ways that language cannot.

For I am consumed with you, M’Lady. My every thought of you brings me great joy, more than most can fathom; and your bliss grows sweeter every day. I am ecstatic as I sit in your presence, bask in your beauty, your glory and love – ever dazzled by the mere thought that one could find himself in the
presence of such a splendid Goddess as you, that you could even exist in
such splendor, and that you would be my Goddess and shower such favor upon me.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for it all. Every moment, every smile,
every blessing, every lesson, every meet, and your every touch is the very
essence of love to me. You are my heart and soul. May my life, now and
forevermore, be a delight to you.

Calendar of the Moon for September 9

Calendar of the Moon

9 Coll/Metageitnion

Taliesin’s Day

Color: Sky-Blue
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of sky-blue set a chalice of wine, a cup of honey, a ring of keys, a single stone, and many blue candles.
Offerings: Words that you have written yourself.
Daily Meal: Any food transformed to look like something else, such as a subtlety.

Invocation to Taliesin

Hail, Greatest of Bards!
You who were once Gwion Bach,
A wandering child with no home and no luck,
You who minded the Cauldron of Cerridwen
And stole from it three drops of wisdom,
You who heard the language of birds
And fled from the Goddess’s wrath,
You who were hare and fish and otter,
You who were a bird and a single grain of corn,
You who were seized by Her sharp eyes
And devoured by Her questing beak,
You who grew to fullness again in Her belly
And were birthed forth a second time,
You who were cast into the sea and blown forth
Upon the shore of a far land,
You whose words bedazzled the throned ones,
You whose curse turns men to stone,
You whose song confounds and enlightens,
You who are the Power of Words
Cascading over our ears and our minds,
Infuse us with the Spirit of Inspiration
And may our own words gleam
With the treasure more precious than gold.

(One who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual pours the honey into the wine cup and stirs it, and takes it about to each one present, bidding them drink and saying, “May thy tongue flow with honey.” Each drinks, and the rest is poured out as libation. As this is the day of the God of Bards, one should be brought in from outside the house to sing or speak to all the folk present. They should be feasted as the reliquary of Taliesin, and given honor. Many books should be read tonight.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Consecration of Chalice, Athame or Other Tool

Consecration of Chalice, Athame or Other Tool

Before these assembled spirits I bring (name type of tool) to be dedicated to the service of  the Lady and Lord.

(Pass tool three times through smoke of the incense.)

By the power of air, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to purity of thought and to  harmlessness that all intentions for which thou art used may harm none and be for the good of  all.

(Pass tool three times through or over the flame of the fire candle.)

By the power of fire, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to purity of desire and to harmlessness that all goals which thou doest help achieve may harm none and be for the good of all.

(Take a few drops of water and sprinkle or dab on instrument.)

By the power of water, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to purity of emotion and to  harmlessness that all that thou shalt be used in a spirit of harmony, harming none and for the  good of all.

(Touch instrument to the stone or salt in north quarter)

By the power of earth, be thou purified. Be thou dedicated to steadfastness and purity of  purpose, that my will be achieved without wavering, with harm to none and for the good of all.

(If this is a chalice, present it first to the Lady, then to the Lord, if athame, reverse  order. All other instruments use personal preference, but it is courtesy to present them to Her  first.)

PRESENTATION FOR CHALICE:

Lady Freya, Keeper of Femininity, bless this chalice. Let it be as Thy cauldron, a vessel of  productivity that it may be worthy to dispense Thy bounty. Let it be used in Thy service and in  the service of humanity. Let it be so bound that no harm may come of it to any being, but let it  rather be an instrument of goodwill and understanding; of loving harmony. To Thy sacred self I  dedicate this vessel, (name of vessel), that it and I may long be of service to Thee.

Lord Thor, companion to the Lady, champion of the Gods, bless this chalice and keep watch  over it. Guard the works which come forth from it, that they ever be in the service of Thee and  Thy Lady, that they be of service to humankind, and that they abide by the laws of harmony. To  Thee I vow I shall use it for Her sacred purposes, and for no other.

So mote it be.

PRESENTATION FOR ATHAME:

Lord Thor, thunderer & hammer wielder, bless this athame. Let it be as the spring rains  which fall upon the Earth to cause Her to bring forth Her bounty.

Let it quicken my hopes and dreams, yet keep them from causing harm. Let it guide them in the  harmony of the seasons, bringing forth only good for all. Lord Thor, bless this athame, (name of  athame), that it be used ever in the worship and honor of the Gods.

Lady Freya, companion to the Thunderer, lover of the Gods, bless this athame that it shall  bring forth joy, and shall cause no pain nor disharmony to any. I dedicate this athame (name  athame), symbol of the Defender and Rain Maker, to Thy service. May it ever bring Thee joy and  pride.

So mote it be.

(This ritual, with suitable changes, may be used to dedicate other tools as well as these.)

Stones Associated With The Second Chakra

Second Chakra (just above the pelvic bone)

This chakra is most directly related to energy flow, as expressed in the flow of blood, and especially with the energies of sexuality and creativity. It  is also deeply connected to the five physical senses.

When it is unblocked people feel fully alive, energetic, spontaneous, guilt-free. and in full appreciation of their bodies. When it is unbalanced  reproductive organ diseases, joint stiffness, and various blood disorders may result.

Stones associated with the second chakra:

Bloodstone can stimulate energy.
Carnelian is associated with creativity and decision-making.
Red garnet encourages patience.
Red jasper helps to connect us to the flowing energies of the earth.
Ruby, the stone of passion, enhances sensory awareness.
Ruby in Zoisite is a way to benefit from ruby’s energy in a grounding form.

Daily Motivator for August 23 – Living your purpose

Living your purpose

The way to have a full and happy life is to live it every chance you get. The  way to get beyond the excuses is to stop believing them and to start living your  purpose.

Decide to see the obstacles as steps along the path rather than blockades.  Let the challenges strengthen you, and let the disappointments inspire you to  push more purposefully forward.

Whatever the objective, whatever the dream, there is always a way. You can  find it and you can live it by thinking and acting from the perspective of  purpose.

You will never be truly satisfied by superficial trinkets and shallow  pleasures. Remind yourself, again and again, to put your energy into what really  matters.

You deserve much better than to constantly wallow in the distractions. You  deserve the exquisite experience of bringing your beautiful, unique purpose to  life.

Live today, and every day, and your whole life, like you mean it, and like it  is the best you can imagine. Because when you do, it is.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Calendar of the Sun for August 22

Calendar of the Sun

22 Weodmonath

Day of the Virgin: Beginning of Virgo

Colors: Brown and tan and cream
Element: Earth
Altar: Set with cloth of brown and tan, a sheaf of grain, a winnowing basket, a sickle, and an earthenware cup of clear well water.
Offerings: From the night before to the morning of the following day, all must refrain from sexual congress, and may only touch each other with the fingertips during this time. The day’s work should revolve around the repair of that which is broken or in need of maintenance. Great care should be taken with cleanliness of the body in the morning.
Daily Meal: Vegan.

Invocation to Virgo

Lady who harvests the grain of thought
With the sickle of discrimination,
Lady who works alone
And understands solitude,
Lady whose center is untouched,
Whose gift is Mending,
Bless us with the ability to work hard
At the greatest of tasks,
The Repair of the World,
And to see divine will
In all the tiniest details.
By the power of all that labors,
You challenge us
To perfection.
May we go forth in purity.

(The Virgo chant has no words, but is merely precise notes sung in multi-part harmony. Afterwards, instead of a ritual, all will adjourn to clean the entire building as best they can, save for those who are doing repairs. Virgo would rather see work than anything else. Each should work alone, if possible.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Gemstone of the Day for August 7: Ruby

Ruby

Red Corundum

 

Ruby gemology

Species: Corundum Color: Varying red
Chemical composition: Al2O3 aluminum oxide
Crystal system: (Trigonal) hexagonal prisms or tables, rhombohedrons
Hardness: 9 (Mohs scale)
Specific gravity: 3.97 – 4.05
Refractive index: 1.762 -1.778
Birefringence: -0.008
Color of streak: White,
Absorption spectrum: 694, 693, 668, 659, 610-500, 476, 475, 468
Fluorescence: Strong carmine red

 

The Ruby zodiac, myth & legend

For a long time India was considered as the classical source of rubies. In the Sanskrit language ruby is called “ratnaraj”, which translates as “King of Gemstones”.

In ancient times one of the chief attractions of ruby has been its protection from misfortune and bad health.

Ruby is the birthstone for those who are born in July. On the Zodiac chart, ruby is the stone for Capricorn.

Ruby is also used to celebrate a couple’s 15th and 40th anniversary.

In Antiquity, as well as in the Middle Ages people believed that the cosmos is reflected in gemstones. The ruby is assigned to the planets Mars and Pluto. The esoteric movement revived the ancient belief and the gem industry made it another marketing tool to promote certain gems.

The healing powers of gems remain a controversial issue, but are mentioned for centuries by healers, shamans and medicine men. Whether it’s a fact or a placebo effect doesn’t matter, if it helps. The safest approach is to wear the gemstone in skin contact to the troubled part of the body. Ruby is said to be a general health protection and a help for backache and toenail problems.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for July 3 is 40: Deliverance

40: Deliverance

Hexagram 40

General Meaning: After a thunderstorm, or any period of extreme tension, a period of new clarity and fresh opportunity follows. The storm has the effect of clearing the air and suddenly reducing atmospheric tension. Deliverance is at hand. In the wake of a storm on land, deliverance appears in the form of new color and life, which bursts forth in all the fields and flowers. In the wake of a storm at sea, deliverance takes the form of land itself.

In the field of human relations, the rain of forgiveness washes the human landscape clean after a period of conflict and enmity. Great clarity of purpose and renewed vigor can follow the healing of old wounds. But care must be taken not to re-open such wounds by moving too quickly. In the same way, it is important to return to normalcy before moving ahead with new plans after periods of stress.

Following the resolution of a difficult situation, your first priority, should be to return to normal conditions as quickly as possible. Breathe a sigh of relief, but don’t relax completely. It would be a mistake to re-awaken the sleeping dogs of the immediate past before the new situation has crystallized. Look ahead. Attend to any residual matters that need resolution, and do so as quickly as possible. Make a clean sweep of the past, move deliberately and the future will bring good fortune

Today’s Runes for Tuesday, July 3rd is Ken

Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge, driving away darkness and ignorance and revealing hidden truth. This rune also brings forth images of friendship and comfort. Ken is the light of inspiration, the light of imagination, and a beacon in the darkest hours.

Today’s Runes for Wednesday, June 20 is Ken

Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge, driving away darkness and ignorance and revealing hidden truth. This rune also brings forth images of friendship and comfort. Ken is the light of inspiration, the light of imagination, and a beacon in the darkest hours.

Today’s Rune Spread for Monday, June 11th

The Diamond spread reveals the dynamic forces at work in a situation. It is the spread of choice for understanding a hidden conflict. Gold Runes are most commonly used for questions about business, career, and property.
The bottom rune represents the foundation that forms the basis of the issue. Inguz is the rune of completion and fertility. The presence of this rune suggests that tasks which have been initiated will come to fruition. This rune is associated with Ing and Frey, it is this connection that explains its connotations of both fertility and sexuality. The variant of this rune shown here is reminiscent of the twin strands of life, and of the challenge and rewards of bringing together things complimentary.
The left rune represents one of the forces acting on the issue at hand. Man represents Mankind. This rune evokes the image that although we must make much of our way in the world on our own, there is nevertheless an entire populous that shares similar experiences. Thus, this rune represents the relationship of the self with the whole – working together we can produce great results. Additionally, Man speaks to intellect and culture that separate us from the animals.
The right rune represents another of the forces acting on the issue at hand. Othila is the homeland. Unlike Fehu, this is the rune of immovable wealth. On a deeper level, this rune speaks to that which you inherit, be it material or genetic. Since Othila is seen reversed here, the obstacles you confront are among those things in your background that you take for granted and consider fairly stable. Problems from the “homeland”, from familial inheritance, or from our own origins may be worked around, but they cannot be made to go away. Fortunately, for many problems, this is all that is required.
The top rune represents the conclusion to which your strivings can carry you. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge, driving away darkness and ignorance and revealing hidden truth. This rune also brings forth images of friendship and comfort. Ken is the light of inspiration, the light of imagination, and a beacon in the darkest hours.

Today’s Affirmation, Thought & Meditation for May 22nd

Days Of The Week Comments

Today’s Affirmation for Tuesday, May 22nd

 When I look into the future, I see a vista of challenge and resolution. I venture forth with strength, hope and faith.  

 

Today’s Thought for Tuesday, May 22nd

 Once we have found the true path, destiny unfolds before us like a red carpet.  

 

Today’s Meditation for Tuesday, May 22nd 

Conversation With Destiny

 Communicating with a future self can calm the anxieties we experience in the face of the unknown. Close your eyes and imagine that standing before you is an eighty-year-old, who looks strangely like you. Encouraged by the reassuring look in their eyes, you introduce yourself. They tell you that they are the embodiment of your destiny. You converse with them, asking for advice about your life’s direction. After the conversation your future self hugs you, whispering words of encouragement into your ear before slipping into the distance. Comforted by their words, you walk forward into your future with greater confidence and trust.  
Magickal Graphics

Calendar of the Moon for April 7th

Calendar of the Moon
4 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Alder Tree Month

Color: Crimson
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of crimson set a flaming brazier filled with charcoal and incense.
Offerings: Purification. Write what has been dragging your down, and place it in the fire.
Daily Meal: Hot, nourishing food.

Fearn Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the warming of Earth.
Response: Now is the time of the Sun’s first warmth.
Call: Now is the time when the waters of Spring are banished.
Response: Now is the time when fire dries the flood.
Call: Now is the time when the heat rises within us.
Response: Now is the time when our tears are dried.
Call: Now is the time when our inner floods give way.
Response: Now is the time when our inner fields are greening.
Call: Like the birds who build their nests in the Spring….
Response: Like the creatures of the woods who brave the open fields…
Call: As they brave the world….
Response: So we now brave the world.
Call: As they seek sustenance of the body….
Response: So we seek sustenance of the soul.
Call: As they are driven forth by need and the cycle of life…..
Response: So we are driven forth by need and the cycle of life.
Call: No house can contain our souls….
Response: As no house contains the foundation on which it is built.
Call: We will be the piles that lift the house from the water….
Response: And we will lift our spirits from the winter’s flood.
Call: We will be the island in the river….
Response: The islands where the future is told…
Call: And we will see that future running like the current….
Response: Knowing not where it will lead….
Call: Save by the grace of the gods.
Response: Save by the grace of the Gods.

Chant:
We gather at the river
We bring fire to the water
Our fire burns within us
The river parts before us

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for April 5th

Calendar of the Moon
4 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Alder Tree Month

Color: Crimson
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of crimson set a flaming brazier filled with charcoal and incense.
Offerings: Purification. Write what has been dragging your down, and place it in the fire.
Daily Meal: Hot, nourishing food.

Fearn Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the warming of Earth.
Response: Now is the time of the Sun’s first warmth.
Call: Now is the time when the waters of Spring are banished.
Response: Now is the time when fire dries the flood.
Call: Now is the time when the heat rises within us.
Response: Now is the time when our tears are dried.
Call: Now is the time when our inner floods give way.
Response: Now is the time when our inner fields are greening.
Call: Like the birds who build their nests in the Spring….
Response: Like the creatures of the woods who brave the open fields…
Call: As they brave the world….
Response: So we now brave the world.
Call: As they seek sustenance of the body….
Response: So we seek sustenance of the soul.
Call: As they are driven forth by need and the cycle of life…..
Response: So we are driven forth by need and the cycle of life.
Call: No house can contain our souls….
Response: As no house contains the foundation on which it is built.
Call: We will be the piles that lift the house from the water….
Response: And we will lift our spirits from the winter’s flood.
Call: We will be the island in the river….
Response: The islands where the future is told…
Call: And we will see that future running like the current….
Response: Knowing not where it will lead….
Call: Save by the grace of the gods.
Response: Save by the grace of the Gods.

Chant:
We gather at the river
We bring fire to the water
Our fire burns within us
The river parts before us

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for April 4th

Calendar of the Moon
4 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Alder Tree Month

Color: Crimson
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of crimson set a flaming brazier filled with charcoal and incense.
Offerings: Purification. Write what has been dragging your down, and place it in the fire.
Daily Meal: Hot, nourishing food.

Fearn Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the warming of Earth.
Response: Now is the time of the Sun’s first warmth.
Call: Now is the time when the waters of Spring are banished.
Response: Now is the time when fire dries the flood.
Call: Now is the time when the heat rises within us.
Response: Now is the time when our tears are dried.
Call: Now is the time when our inner floods give way.
Response: Now is the time when our inner fields are greening.
Call: Like the birds who build their nests in the Spring….
Response: Like the creatures of the woods who brave the open fields…
Call: As they brave the world….
Response: So we now brave the world.
Call: As they seek sustenance of the body….
Response: So we seek sustenance of the soul.
Call: As they are driven forth by need and the cycle of life…..
Response: So we are driven forth by need and the cycle of life.
Call: No house can contain our souls….
Response: As no house contains the foundation on which it is built.
Call: We will be the piles that lift the house from the water….
Response: And we will lift our spirits from the winter’s flood.
Call: We will be the island in the river….
Response: The islands where the future is told…
Call: And we will see that future running like the current….
Response: Knowing not where it will lead….
Call: Save by the grace of the gods.
Response: Save by the grace of the Gods.

Chant:
We gather at the river
We bring fire to the water
Our fire burns within us
The river parts before us

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for April 2nd

Calendar of the Moon
4 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Alder Tree Month

Color: Crimson
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of crimson set a flaming brazier filled with charcoal and incense.
Offerings: Purification. Write what has been dragging your down, and place it in the fire.
Daily Meal: Hot, nourishing food.

Fearn Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the warming of Earth.
Response: Now is the time of the Sun’s first warmth.
Call: Now is the time when the waters of Spring are banished.
Response: Now is the time when fire dries the flood.
Call: Now is the time when the heat rises within us.
Response: Now is the time when our tears are dried.
Call: Now is the time when our inner floods give way.
Response: Now is the time when our inner fields are greening.
Call: Like the birds who build their nests in the Spring….
Response: Like the creatures of the woods who brave the open fields…
Call: As they brave the world….
Response: So we now brave the world.
Call: As they seek sustenance of the body….
Response: So we seek sustenance of the soul.
Call: As they are driven forth by need and the cycle of life…..
Response: So we are driven forth by need and the cycle of life.
Call: No house can contain our souls….
Response: As no house contains the foundation on which it is built.
Call: We will be the piles that lift the house from the water….
Response: And we will lift our spirits from the winter’s flood.
Call: We will be the island in the river….
Response: The islands where the future is told…
Call: And we will see that future running like the current….
Response: Knowing not where it will lead….
Call: Save by the grace of the gods.
Response: Save by the grace of the Gods.

Chant:
We gather at the river
We bring fire to the water
Our fire burns within us
The river parts before us

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for March 27th

Calendar of the Moon
4 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Alder Tree Month

Color: Crimson
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of crimson set a flaming brazier filled with charcoal and incense.
Offerings: Purification. Write what has been dragging your down, and place it in the fire.
Daily Meal: Hot, nourishing food.

Fearn Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the warming of Earth.
Response: Now is the time of the Sun’s first warmth.
Call: Now is the time when the waters of Spring are banished.
Response: Now is the time when fire dries the flood.
Call: Now is the time when the heat rises within us.
Response: Now is the time when our tears are dried.
Call: Now is the time when our inner floods give way.
Response: Now is the time when our inner fields are greening.
Call: Like the birds who build their nests in the Spring….
Response: Like the creatures of the woods who brave the open fields…
Call: As they brave the world….
Response: So we now brave the world.
Call: As they seek sustenance of the body….
Response: So we seek sustenance of the soul.
Call: As they are driven forth by need and the cycle of life…..
Response: So we are driven forth by need and the cycle of life.
Call: No house can contain our souls….
Response: As no house contains the foundation on which it is built.
Call: We will be the piles that lift the house from the water….
Response: And we will lift our spirits from the winter’s flood.
Call: We will be the island in the river….
Response: The islands where the future is told…
Call: And we will see that future running like the current….
Response: Knowing not where it will lead….
Call: Save by the grace of the gods.
Response: Save by the grace of the Gods.

Chant:
We gather at the river
We bring fire to the water
Our fire burns within us
The river parts before us

Pagan Book of Hours

The Breviary of the Asphodel Tradition

Calendar of the Moon for March 22nd

Calendar of the Moon
4 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Alder Tree Month

Color: Crimson
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of crimson set a flaming brazier filled with charcoal and incense.
Offerings: Purification. Write what has been dragging your down, and place it in the fire.
Daily Meal: Hot, nourishing food.

Fearn Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the warming of Earth.
Response: Now is the time of the Sun’s first warmth.
Call: Now is the time when the waters of Spring are banished.
Response: Now is the time when fire dries the flood.
Call: Now is the time when the heat rises within us.
Response: Now is the time when our tears are dried.
Call: Now is the time when our inner floods give way.
Response: Now is the time when our inner fields are greening.
Call: Like the birds who build their nests in the Spring….
Response: Like the creatures of the woods who brave the open fields…
Call: As they brave the world….
Response: So we now brave the world.
Call: As they seek sustenance of the body….
Response: So we seek sustenance of the soul.
Call: As they are driven forth by need and the cycle of life…..
Response: So we are driven forth by need and the cycle of life.
Call: No house can contain our souls….
Response: As no house contains the foundation on which it is built.
Call: We will be the piles that lift the house from the water….
Response: And we will lift our spirits from the winter’s flood.
Call: We will be the island in the river….
Response: The islands where the future is told…
Call: And we will see that future running like the current….
Response: Knowing not where it will lead….
Call: Save by the grace of the gods.
Response: Save by the grace of the Gods.

Chant:
We gather at the river
We bring fire to the water
Our fire burns within us
The river parts before us

 

Pagan Book of Hours