Friday, March 30, 2012

Pagan Blog Project WK13: G is for Gifts (part 1)

Ahhh, the fantastic powers of Google auto-fill.  When one enters 'pagan g' and pauses (skipping past the inevitable variations of 'pagan gods') the first interesting computer generated possibility is 'pagan gifts'.  Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is presents followed by powers (psychic gifts ect.); both interesting to dive into, one this week and one next week.
Beltane Greeting Cards from FifthRealmPress
Different cultures and different families all seem to have different customs and traditions with respect to gift giving, and let’s be clear – the giving is the important part.  My family is a card family, meaning that I have always received a card for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, St. Joseph’s Day, Easter, my birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving and (of course) Christmas, signed and stamped and typically through the mail.  My Godmother made it a point to send me a gift box for every made-up holiday that I was in college and my mother is doing the same for my cousin.  My daughter receives cards and notes the whole year through from my Aunts and Cousins and even from my parents who we see in person every Wednesday.

Web by VisionsInPrint


Each of these cards is physical representation of a connection between (at least) two people.  Many pagan paths place quite a bit of importance on the power of connections.  Each of us tries to make a personal connection with the divine and typically an energetic connection with people we share ritual with.  Energy work and healing are both dependent on intra and interpersonal connections.  Perhaps you’ve never thought about it but choosing to give a gift is initiating a connection.

Some of the cards and letters that I have received over the years have been saved and when I think of them or especially when I take them out, I feel that old connection between myself and the other person.  My spiritual sister has cards from me tapped to his door, keeping my connection with him present in his life.

If cards are a minor physical representation of a connection, gifts can be a major one.  Many of the pieces of my altar were given to me as gifts either from people or the universe; every time they are taken out I remember where it came from and my attention strengthens that connection that exists between myself and the giver.  When I use pieces from my magical tool box I choose them because of the connections and these connections add layers to my magick.

As a pagan when I choose a gift for another practitioner I do so with thought and care so that when they use what I have given them, their magick is also strengthened by the connections between us.

Pentacle Altar Table by Luna Enchantments
 

CLOSED Giveaway! Featured Favorites Friday: Aromatherapy from the Mountains

Essential Oils
This week I had the pleasure of checking in with the amazing Gretchen and Thomas of Adirondack Aromatherapy, one of the fantastic members of the Witches of Etsy team.  Aside from their products being beautiful, natural ingredients are very important to this pair of artisans.  Gretchen is a published author in the subject of alternative medicine and a Certified Aromatherapist in an National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy approved program.  Her 15+ years of education and experience is complimented by the 10+ years of experience her partner, Thomas, brings to the table.
All the oils at ADKAromatherapy are natural, completely derived from Mother Earth herself. I was not aware but there are many ’magical oils’ on the market are made in the laboratory.  Gretchen believes and I agree that these oils might smell good but there is nothing that connects you to the earth. For Gretchen, aromatherapy is really about bringing the sacred into everyday routines and connecting to the natural world with all the senses.  What a great philosophy!

This amazing pair is celebrating 1000 fans on facebook and two years of selling on etsy with a giveaway hosted here!  Read down to the bottom for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to spend on soap, essential oils, amber and perfume oils, aromatherapy mists or whatever else strikes your fancy.  They even offer custom fragrances!  Best of luck!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Look! You can win me again!

I know, I just love giving things away :)  Take a moment to head on over to Crafti Sandi's blog and enter to win an item of your choice from my etsy shop, up to $15 value!

Also, keep a lookout for a fantastic giveaway opportunity from Sandi's shop, The Enchanted Garden early next month!


Monday, March 26, 2012

13 Goddess WK04: Greek Goddess Athena

We could all use a little more wisdom and discernment in our lives.  Below you will find a spell to Athena, the Greek Goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice and skill.



Wisdom of Athena Candle Spell
This spell is performed during the last quarter of the waxing moon or during the full moon. 
Use a pin to carve into a yellow or purple spell candle; let the creativity flow through your hand into the designs, runes or letters that you place on the candle.  As you light your candle, visualize Athena's owl, as a protector and your guide.  Concentrate on being receptive to the wisdom and perceptions of Athena.  Say this incantation (out loud or in your mind): 

Goddess of the olive tree,
Goddess of the shield and spear,
Goddess of wisdom and clarity,
Bless me with the piercing eyes of the Owl,
so that I may see what few can.
I ask that you guide me today and always.

 Sit back and watch the candle burn.  If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and bury it in the earth near your home.



Sunday, March 25, 2012

Spring has Sprung Blog Hop - Blooms

Forsythia Spoon Rest by LaurelArts
Many thanks to Velody at TreeGold and BeeGold for hosting this fantastic Blog Hop!  Welcome to my little corner of the internet.  I want to share with you how I feel about spring, through flowers.
 
Forsythia's are the brightest sign to me that spring is actually here.  There is something so uplifting about the bright yellow flowers against the greening grass; passing some never fails to make me smile.  I think it goes back to being a little girl up in Massachusetts; in the neighbor's backyard was this huge set of forsythia bushes with intertwining branches which were like hidden tunnels for all us kids to play through and in.  Yellow flowers meant that the New England winter was finally over and we could go outside and play again.


Cherry Blossom ACEO by RavenPheonixStudio
When we moved down to Maryland we ended up being closer to my Great Aunt who was an amazing woman.  She was very involved in the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC.  Every year we would enjoy the festival and the parade; once we even got to meet the Princess of Japan.  Every time it was a memorable experience for me and my sisters.  Now my Aunt has passed but she has been honored with a tree planted in her name.  Watching the waterfront bloom reminds me of my Aunt, how much she accomplished and how the seasons keep turning.

The other flowers of spring are beautiful but it's these two that make me feel the season change in my deeper, inner self.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Pagan Blog Project WK12: F is for Festival!

So when you type 'pagan f' into google the first auto-fill is Pagan Festivals so I thought I share a few of them.  Unlike conferences such as Sacred Space, Changing Times Changing Worlds, Pantheacon, and Between the Worlds (just to name a few) pagan festivals tend to be outside over a long weekend and involve camping, fires, workshops, big ritual and fellowship (read drum circle).

Here are some festivals in the Mid-Atlantic area that may be of interest.  If you know of any I missed, please let me know in the comments!  Even one day festivals would be wonderful to know of.

Fertile Ground Gathering - Prince William Forest Park, Triangle, VA, May 3-6
Mountain Mysteries Beltane - Heavenly Acres Campground, Stanardsville, VA, May 4-6 
Pennsylvania Faerie Festival - Spoutwood Farm, Glen Rock, PA, May 4, 5, 6
Greenbelt Green Man Festival - Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt, MD, May 11-12
Maryland Faerie Festival - Camp Ramblewood, Darlington, MD May 11, 12, 13
Blue Ridge Beltane - Stoney Creek Resort, Greenville, VA, May 11-13
Fires Rising at Four Quarters - Four Quarters Farm, Artemas, PA, May 30 - June 3
Free Spirit Gathering - Camp Ramblewood, Darlington, MD, June 12-17
Shenandoah Midsummer Festival - The Land Celebration, Gore, VA, June 22+24
Drum and Splash - Four Quarters Farm, Artemas, PA, July 4-8

All these events offer a low key but high impact experience that combines fellowship and nature.

See you there!


Featured Favorites Friday: Orcas are SO cool!!!!!

Soooooo... there I was, minding my own business, being a geek and watching Discovery Channel when I saw the coolest things EVER!  Orcas that try to knock seals off of ice-floes by group effort wave-making.  Seriously SO COOL.  They are some of the most intelligent pack hunters on the planet!

So, first I offer you a discount code to my shop, ORCA20 for 20% off anything all weekend.

And second, I give you cool orca stuff from etsy:



Food Chain Collapse Print
from Richard Horne
at the El Horno Shop








Mamma Orca Pendant
from David Joaquin Joaquin
at DKJ Art





who can also be found

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Happy Ostara and we have a Winner!

Happy Ostara!

May the balance of the seasons add to the balance of your life.
May the growth of the coming spring help your own growth.
May the Divine walk with you as they walk with the world.

Happy Ostara sign by harmonee414



And congratulations to our winner, Carolina.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, March 19, 2012

13 Goddess WK03: Japanese Goddess Uke Mochi

My offering this week is a spell to Uke Mochi, a Japanese goddess of abundant food:



This spell is performed during the last quarter of the waxing moon or during the full moon
Use a pin to carve into a green or white spell candle; let the creativity flow through your hand into the designs, runes or letters that you place on the candle.  Write out a petition paper of what food and abundance you would like to bring into your life; include specific information.  Light the spell candle as you burn the petition paper say the following (out loud or in your mind):
Lady Uke Mochi, Lady of Food and Feasts
  Progenitor of abundance and giver of sustenance, welcome
Sit back and watch the candle burn.  As the candle is burning say 7 times: 
As the light of this flame grows, so does the abundance around me.
If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and bury it in the earth away near your home.


Friday, March 16, 2012

Featured Favorites Friday: Spring is coming!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, spring is coming!  Part of me knows this because I see the clucking bunny that heralds the arrival of my favorite candy ever; part of me knows this because there are forsythias blooming here; part of me knows this because the energetic forces around my life are swinging closer and close to the balance of the equinox.  It's exciting!

It's also a time to consider focusing on bringing the fertile and abundant energy of the season into your life.  These cascarones from SandiEnchantedGarden are whimsical but powerful witch-crafted tools to help you do just that.

This Cauldron Spash from SpelledWithaW is just the thing to enhance the mood of your ritual space.  Her work is amazing, beautiful and aromatic and the witch-crafter her self is a joy to spend time with (had a blast a Sacred Space!)
What ritual space wouldn't be more complete with this beautiful quilt wall-hanging from EveryWitchWay.  The colors are amazing and the seller's craftsmanship is beautiful (I can attest to that personally).  She has patters for every Sabbat and I believe one could talk her into making you your very own (for a fair price).




Many thanks to all the fabulous witches who craft beautiful things!  Happy Ostara!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

13 Goddess WK02: Babylonian Goddess Tiamat


My offering this week is a spell to Tiamat, a fierce primordial mother goddess:


Call to Chaos Candle Spell
This spell is performed with caution, respect and care with the intention of taking a complicated situation and, through chaos, breaking it down into the smallest parts in order to dispel it.
Use a pin to carve into a white or black spell candle; let the creativity flow through your hand into the designs, runes or letters that you place on the candle.  Write out a petition paper containing three words that describe a situation that you would like to dissolve by returning it's tangles to their most basic parts.  Light the spell candle as you burn the petition paper say the following (out loud or in your mind):
Lady Tiamat, Mother of Gods and Body of the Earth and Heavans
I respect the chaos from which comes order
and to which order will return
Sit back and watch the candle burn.  As the candle is burning say 7 times: 
As the candle is consumed, so will this pass into chaos
If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and bury it in the earth away from your home, near a cross-roads if possible.

Monday, March 5, 2012

13 Goddess WK01: Celtic Goddess Brigid

We will be missing "My Stuff Mondays" for the next 13 weeks because the lovely Hostess of Timeless Rituals (and the awesome art shop BlackPumpkin) has the most fantastic new blog challenge that I wish to participate in:

My offering this week is a spell to Brigid, a member of the Celtic Pantheon:


This spell is performed during Imbolc, Brigid’s feast; the day we remember we are half-way to spring.
Lady of the eternal fire and the healing well, please be present with me tonight.
Use a pin to carve into a yellow spell candle; let the creativity flow through your hand into the designs, runes or letters that you place on the candle.  Write out a petition paper containing three words that you are asking for the passion and motivation to complete during the upcoming year.  Light the spell candle as you burn the petition paper say the following (out loud or in your mind):
As the light of Brigid’s flame grows, let creativity rise around me.
Sit back and watch the candle burn.  As the candle is burning say 7 times: 
As the air feeds the flame, passion shall feed my creativity.
If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and bury it in the earth as close to your home as possible.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Pagan Blog Project WK09: Elements and how I view them


So... I am a solitary eclectic (which perhaps we will re-visit next week) and when I do magick it’s typically elemental based but are my elements the same as yours?  It’s a standard joke/truth that when you ask nine pagans a question you get thirteen answers so here are my elements.

Water:  I am a water person to the core (pay no attention to the Taurus birthday).  I constantly feel the flows and work with the energy.  I love it’s destructive and creative powers, even in the smallest volumes.  The ocean drives the systems of the planet just as our blood surges through our bodies.  I do see emotions as water; they ebb and flow, are adaptable to surroundings, take the shape of a container, and can be calm on the surface but contain hidden depths.  However, I live on the East Coast of the United States… water is not west of me, its east.

Stormy Seas by Yulia Kazansky Art Studio

Fire: Ok, so I might be a bit of a fire person too (what Taurus birthday?).  Have you ever noticed that fire is always consuming the material world from both ends, but provides us with something intangible yet so vital?  Passion and willpower are very similar as people can be consumed by them yet will provides the intangible drive to achieve things great and small, both creatively and destructively.  When harnessed, fire and passion are great creative forces that build and shape our world however when mis-directed or un-controlled they will consume and destroy.

Bon Fire Print by CapturingEssence

Earth: I have been told that I embody many earth-y qualities, yes I am a Taurus, but it’s not an element that I’m innately connected to.  The solidness and grounded-ness of the material world is not all that easy for me to connect to and I have no idea.  To me earth represents life, greenery, growing things, providing nutrients, even in the harshest of climes (see also lichens and extremophiles).  Did you know I have a black thumb; I’ve even killed an air fern.  Even in the most beautiful stretches of earth I’ve ever seen (Arizona) I just wanted to get to the next ocean.

Ides of Earth by SeeBee Photography

Air: Riiiiight… this element is my least favorite to call in ritual or hold energetic space for in circle.  It constantly eludes me.  I appreciate its life-supporting mass around our planet and I respect its unpredictable destructive nature, but I don’t get it.  Air, to me, represents that creative and intellectual spark that I just don’t share.  Perhaps I should look into my divination as a path to better understanding of air.

Rotating Tornadic Severe Supercell Thunderstorm by ScenicSurroundings

And for the record, my favorite on-screen representation of all four elements is Avatar: The last Air-Bender the animated series.  There’s a lot to learn from watching the four nations interact, even if it is a kids show.

Avatar The Last Airbender set of 4 buttons by ManicMarch


PS: I’m hosting a giveaway for pentacle earrings here.  Win a spell kit from me here.  Win a reading from me here.

PPS: All images are from amazing etsy.com sellers who have been notified.  If you are so inclined, please click through and check out their wares.