Thursday, June 2, 2011
complete renovation
My page is going to undergo a complete renovation and I'll be up to posting regularly. Had a lot happen in a the last year that has kept me away. But I am back, and will be posting my musings and get other stuff up and running. Excited to be back and get this up and going again. I've missed it!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tree Magick
Another interesting read...
Tree Magic
Author: Crick
It is a cold and blustery morning as I head out to an ancient forest draping itself about the peaks of a tired old mountain. Meandering along the foot of this local mountain is a frozen creek, its banks glistening with early morning frost; I notice a grove of Willows just ahead. Suddenly I begin to think of the goddess Proserpina, whom among her many roles stands forth as a Roman Goddess of Fertility. One can envision her scarf-clad priestesses as they swirl about with willow fronds in preparation of fertility rites; for the slim leaved willow has long been associated with the magic of fertility.
Many other gifts are the offerings of the elegant willow. Such as medicine for ones aches and pains, and the wands and besoms that witches are fond of having about. A willow grove is also a place for meandering about on the psychic seas. Oh yes, I feel a sense of awe of the many qualities that such a delicate sister brings to the panorama of the silent forest that stretches for miles ahead of this old witch.
Here and there are a few birch trees, standing proud as they display their distinctive silvery bark. I think of those who have quietly tied a red ribbon around such trees to ward off the evil eye. Were their efforts rewarded, I wonder? And what of the many pagan children whose cribs were made from the birch to protect them from negative influences. For the birch is said to exorcise those entities considered as unwanted. And one cannot help but remember with fond memory, the joyous laughs of folks who joined in dancing around the maypole during Beltain. For it is of the birch that traditional maypoles are made.
As the bitter wind rustles through a forest lying dormant in anticipation of spring, the journey turns towards the heart of the forest. The spiritual presence of this foreboding place makes it hard to breathe at times, and yet at others there is a wild urge to just dance and swirl about.
Suddenly a quiet and secluded meadow is revealed. And circled about is a strand of ash trees.
Many are the ancient Gods that identify with the noble ash. For instance the wise Odin, who was self- sacrificed on the tree of life known as the Yggdrasil. For the Yggdrasil is a tree of ash. The Norse believes that the first man, named “Ask”, was formed from an ash tree.
From the Greek comes the goddess, Nemesis. It is by her ash scourge that the gods addressed matters of justice. It is through her ash scourge that thunder is thought to originate. And many a besom has their handles graced with the ash. Do not stand next to the ash when lightening is flashing across the sky, for it is the ash that draws their attention.
The Dryads of the ash trees known as the Meliai should be approached gently. Such creatures tend to be very shy and timid. And it is their magic that heals as one passes a child though a split in the ash tree.
The ash is renowned for removing warts. This is done by sticking a pin into the bark of an ash tree and thus letting it energize. And then picking the wart with this pin and afterwards returning it back to the bark of the same ash tree. The leaves of the ash are often utilized in love and prosperity spells by those of the Craft; so many gifts by such a gentle tree.
Standing in the background for miles upon miles are the venerable oak trees. One can hear whispers of solemn chants extending back into the depths of time. As I walk amongst these elders of the forest, I envision strands of oak trees serving as a backdrop for secret rituals framed in the night by the tendrils of a sacred bonfire.
One can hear the enchanting voice of Pelias as she prophesies the messages of Zeus. She does this from an oracle located at the foot of a giant oak tree in the sacred grove at Dodona. The Many different Gods of Thunder from varied pantheons stand solemn watch over their groves. For often is the oak split asunder by blasts of lightening, an expression of the power of such entities.
The Druids themselves draw their name from that of the mighty oak. The name druid comes from the Celtic “Druides” which means oak knower. As I take a seat beneath a towering oak, some wrens alight in the branches above my head. I think back to how the Druids would listen to the song of these feathered denizens in apt attention as they formed visions of prophesy. The wise wizard known as Merlin was reputed to have fashioned his wand from the uppermost branches of a tall oak tree.
For protection, no other tree serves as well as the oak. Often in days past was a protective charm inscribed in the oak consisting of a circle and two lines of equal parts to separate the elements of, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Also the oak tree is thought to be the first “knock on wood” charm. The acorn also has its associations with fertility and immortality. I wonder how many wee ones began their journey by way of an acorn placed beneath one’s pillow. Wearing an oak leaf on one’s chest next to the heart is said to protect the wearer from lies and acts of deceit.
If one listens closely while sitting in the oak grove, you can hear the raucous cries of “Herne the Hunter”, the leader of the legendary Wild Hunt, who resides in the seclusion of the oak trees.
And so this witch heads towards the gentle slopes of the surrounding mountains. With each frosted breath I wander closer to the top of the mountain and thus I notice that among the shallow valleys falling into hidden shadows, are small groupings of Elder trees. Thoughts from my childhood go floating by of a curious child making a whistle out of Elder bark in order to conjure up the wind.
Were I to travel down into the elder trees, I would be prone to pay homage to Hylde-Moer. She is the Elder-tree Mother, also known as a spirit witch who resides within the Elder tree. Very sage is the one who plants Elder trees on their property to stave off from the effects of lightening. But very foolish is the one who cuts an Elder down without first paying homage to Hylde-Moer. And while it would be tempting for this old man to take a quick nap beneath the Elder, it would not be wise. As a tree associated with Faeries, it is said that those who fall asleep beneath an Elder will not re-awaken.
And so I continue walking on. A short time later I reach a crest of the mountain and there before me are growing Hawthorn. I have a personal affinity for this tree, for I take a heart tonic made from the berries. The Hawthorn has long been associated with marriage and childbirth as evidenced by its association with the Roman Goddess “Cardea”. Having a newlywed couple dance around a Hawthorn tree is considered a positive way to start off such a union. At one time it was a practice of farmers to hang the afterbirth of premature calves onto Hawthorn shrubs as protection for that calf. The Hawthorn is an excellent choice for spells involving purity and protection.
The Hawthorn is one of the best-known trees associated with faeries. Many pagans are aware of the term Oak, Ash, and Thorn, which is associated with portals leading into the realm of the faeries. And since there is a likelihood that the fey are about, I am going to take my leave from this sharing and so my journey ends here. But I hope that the experience will continue on as you yourself take to meandering through the forests…
Tree Magic
Author: Crick
It is a cold and blustery morning as I head out to an ancient forest draping itself about the peaks of a tired old mountain. Meandering along the foot of this local mountain is a frozen creek, its banks glistening with early morning frost; I notice a grove of Willows just ahead. Suddenly I begin to think of the goddess Proserpina, whom among her many roles stands forth as a Roman Goddess of Fertility. One can envision her scarf-clad priestesses as they swirl about with willow fronds in preparation of fertility rites; for the slim leaved willow has long been associated with the magic of fertility.
Many other gifts are the offerings of the elegant willow. Such as medicine for ones aches and pains, and the wands and besoms that witches are fond of having about. A willow grove is also a place for meandering about on the psychic seas. Oh yes, I feel a sense of awe of the many qualities that such a delicate sister brings to the panorama of the silent forest that stretches for miles ahead of this old witch.
Here and there are a few birch trees, standing proud as they display their distinctive silvery bark. I think of those who have quietly tied a red ribbon around such trees to ward off the evil eye. Were their efforts rewarded, I wonder? And what of the many pagan children whose cribs were made from the birch to protect them from negative influences. For the birch is said to exorcise those entities considered as unwanted. And one cannot help but remember with fond memory, the joyous laughs of folks who joined in dancing around the maypole during Beltain. For it is of the birch that traditional maypoles are made.
As the bitter wind rustles through a forest lying dormant in anticipation of spring, the journey turns towards the heart of the forest. The spiritual presence of this foreboding place makes it hard to breathe at times, and yet at others there is a wild urge to just dance and swirl about.
Suddenly a quiet and secluded meadow is revealed. And circled about is a strand of ash trees.
Many are the ancient Gods that identify with the noble ash. For instance the wise Odin, who was self- sacrificed on the tree of life known as the Yggdrasil. For the Yggdrasil is a tree of ash. The Norse believes that the first man, named “Ask”, was formed from an ash tree.
From the Greek comes the goddess, Nemesis. It is by her ash scourge that the gods addressed matters of justice. It is through her ash scourge that thunder is thought to originate. And many a besom has their handles graced with the ash. Do not stand next to the ash when lightening is flashing across the sky, for it is the ash that draws their attention.
The Dryads of the ash trees known as the Meliai should be approached gently. Such creatures tend to be very shy and timid. And it is their magic that heals as one passes a child though a split in the ash tree.
The ash is renowned for removing warts. This is done by sticking a pin into the bark of an ash tree and thus letting it energize. And then picking the wart with this pin and afterwards returning it back to the bark of the same ash tree. The leaves of the ash are often utilized in love and prosperity spells by those of the Craft; so many gifts by such a gentle tree.
Standing in the background for miles upon miles are the venerable oak trees. One can hear whispers of solemn chants extending back into the depths of time. As I walk amongst these elders of the forest, I envision strands of oak trees serving as a backdrop for secret rituals framed in the night by the tendrils of a sacred bonfire.
One can hear the enchanting voice of Pelias as she prophesies the messages of Zeus. She does this from an oracle located at the foot of a giant oak tree in the sacred grove at Dodona. The Many different Gods of Thunder from varied pantheons stand solemn watch over their groves. For often is the oak split asunder by blasts of lightening, an expression of the power of such entities.
The Druids themselves draw their name from that of the mighty oak. The name druid comes from the Celtic “Druides” which means oak knower. As I take a seat beneath a towering oak, some wrens alight in the branches above my head. I think back to how the Druids would listen to the song of these feathered denizens in apt attention as they formed visions of prophesy. The wise wizard known as Merlin was reputed to have fashioned his wand from the uppermost branches of a tall oak tree.
For protection, no other tree serves as well as the oak. Often in days past was a protective charm inscribed in the oak consisting of a circle and two lines of equal parts to separate the elements of, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Also the oak tree is thought to be the first “knock on wood” charm. The acorn also has its associations with fertility and immortality. I wonder how many wee ones began their journey by way of an acorn placed beneath one’s pillow. Wearing an oak leaf on one’s chest next to the heart is said to protect the wearer from lies and acts of deceit.
If one listens closely while sitting in the oak grove, you can hear the raucous cries of “Herne the Hunter”, the leader of the legendary Wild Hunt, who resides in the seclusion of the oak trees.
And so this witch heads towards the gentle slopes of the surrounding mountains. With each frosted breath I wander closer to the top of the mountain and thus I notice that among the shallow valleys falling into hidden shadows, are small groupings of Elder trees. Thoughts from my childhood go floating by of a curious child making a whistle out of Elder bark in order to conjure up the wind.
Were I to travel down into the elder trees, I would be prone to pay homage to Hylde-Moer. She is the Elder-tree Mother, also known as a spirit witch who resides within the Elder tree. Very sage is the one who plants Elder trees on their property to stave off from the effects of lightening. But very foolish is the one who cuts an Elder down without first paying homage to Hylde-Moer. And while it would be tempting for this old man to take a quick nap beneath the Elder, it would not be wise. As a tree associated with Faeries, it is said that those who fall asleep beneath an Elder will not re-awaken.
And so I continue walking on. A short time later I reach a crest of the mountain and there before me are growing Hawthorn. I have a personal affinity for this tree, for I take a heart tonic made from the berries. The Hawthorn has long been associated with marriage and childbirth as evidenced by its association with the Roman Goddess “Cardea”. Having a newlywed couple dance around a Hawthorn tree is considered a positive way to start off such a union. At one time it was a practice of farmers to hang the afterbirth of premature calves onto Hawthorn shrubs as protection for that calf. The Hawthorn is an excellent choice for spells involving purity and protection.
The Hawthorn is one of the best-known trees associated with faeries. Many pagans are aware of the term Oak, Ash, and Thorn, which is associated with portals leading into the realm of the faeries. And since there is a likelihood that the fey are about, I am going to take my leave from this sharing and so my journey ends here. But I hope that the experience will continue on as you yourself take to meandering through the forests…
Ostara Information
Borrowing some great information from a friend on another site!! 
History of Ostara - The Spring Equinox
Many Holidays, Many Names:
The word Ostara is just one of the names applied to the celebration of the spring equinox on March 21. The Venerable Bede said the origin of the word is actually from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of spring. Of course, it's also the same time as the Christian Easter celebration, and in the Jewish faith, Passover takes place as well. Despite its word origins, the Pagan Germans and Celts didn't celebrate the spring equinox, so Ostara is one of the "new" Pagan and Wiccan holidays.
A New Day Begins:
A dynasty of Persian kings known as the Achaemenians celebrated the spring equinox with the festival of Noruz -- which means "new day." It is a celebration of hope and renewal still observed today in many Persian countries, and has its roots in Zoroastrianism. In Iran, a festival called Chahar-Shanbeh Suri takes place right before Noruz begins, and people purify their homes and leap over fires to welcome the 13-day celebration of Noruz.
Mad as a March Hare:
Spring equinox is a time for fertility and sowing seeds, and so nature's fertility goes a little crazy. In medieval societies in Europe, the March hare was viewed as a major fertility symbol -- this is a species of rabbit that is nocturnal most of the year, but in March when mating season begins, there are bunnies everywhere all day long. The female of the species is superfecund and can conceive a second litter while still pregnant with a first. As if that wasn't enough, the males tend to get frustrated when rebuffed by their mates, and bounce around erratically when discouraged.
The Legends of Mithras:
The story of the Roman god, Mithras, is similar to the tale of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. Born at the winter solstice and resurrected in the spring, Mithras helped his followers ascend to the realm of light after death. In one legend, Mithras, who was popular amongst members of the Roman military, was ordered by the Sun to sacrifice a white bull. He reluctantly obeyed, but at the moment when his knife entered the creature's body, a miracle took place. The bull turned into the moon, and Mithras' cloak became the night sky. Where the bull's blood fell flowers grew, and stalks of grain sprouted from its tail.
Spring Celebrations Around the World:
In ancient Rome, the followers of Cybele believed that their goddess had a consort who was born via a virgin birth. His name was Attis, and he died and was resurrected each year during the time of the vernal equinox on the Julian Calendar (between March 22 and March 25). Around the same time, the Germanic tribes honored a lunar goddess known as Ostara, who mated with a fertility god around this time of year, and then gave birth nine months later – at Yule.
The indigenous Mayan people in Central American have celebrated a spring equinox festival for ten centuries. As the sun sets on the day of the equinox on the great ceremonial pyramid, El Castillo, Mexico, its "western face...is bathed in the late afternoon sunlight. The lengthening shadows appear to run from the top of the pyramid's northern staircase to the bottom, giving the illusion of a diamond-backed snake in descent." This has been called "The Return of the Sun Serpent" since ancient times.
According to the venerable Bede, Eostre was the Saxon version of the Germanic goddess Ostara. Her feast day was held on the full moon following the vernal equinox -- almost the identical calculation as for the Christian Easter in the west. One delightful legend associated with Eostre was that she found an injured bird on the ground one winter. To save its life, she transformed it into a hare. But "the transformation was not a complete one. The bird took the appearance of a hare but retained the ability to lay eggs. ..the hare would decorate these eggs and leave them as gifts to Eostre."
Modern Celebrations
This is a good time of year to start your seedlings. If you grow an herb garden, start getting the soil ready for late spring plantings. Celebrate the balance of light and dark as the sun begins to tip the scales, and the return of new growth is near.
Many modern Wiccans and Pagans celebrate Ostara as a time of renewal and rebirth. Take some time to celebrate the new life that surrounds you in nature -- walk in park, lay in the grass, hike through a forest. As you do so, observe all the new things beginning around you -- plants, flowers, insects, birds. Meditate upon the ever-moving Wheel Of The Year, and celebrate the change of seasons.
Ostara Meditation
Introduction
Ostara is the Goddess of Spring and the Dawn, whose worship goes back to
ancient Pagan Teutonic/Saxon cultures. Contemporary Pagans of many paths
honor Her at Spring Equinox time. Also known as Eostre, the Christian
festival of Easter was named for Her, and the Easter Bunny, baskets, and
colored eggs that are part of Springtime and Easter celebrations in
America, Europe, and other parts of the world are rooted in Her lore and
symbology.
Over the years, I have created and guided Ostara meditations as part of
our Welcome Spring Festival at Circle Sanctuary at Spring Equinox time.
This form of my Ostara meditation which I present here can be done as
part of a group ritual or as a personal meditation. It can be a ritual
itself or included as part of a longer ritual. In guiding this
meditation for others as part of a group setting, pause between
paragraphs and include longer pauses indicated by ....... In guiding
this meditation for yourself, you may find recording it on a tape first
and then playing it can deepen your experience.
Meditation
Find a comfortable, safe, and quiet place to be for this meditation.
Close your eyes. Relax and center yourself by taking deep slow breaths.
Now journey inward.
Imagine that you are in a hilly countryside. It is just before dawn at
the beginning of Springtime. The land is nearing the end of its
Wintertime slumber.
You face the East and watch the Sun as it begins to rise. Rays of light
shimmer onto the land and into the sky. Experience the beautiful colors
of light that is the Dawn.
Now, as the glowing disc of the Sun becomes visible above the hills, you
see the Goddess Ostara appear on the land in the distance in the East.
She is beginning to move toward you. As She moves, the land awakens with
new life.
You see Her coming toward you in the form of a Beautiful Maiden. You see
Her radiant face and flowing gown. She is carrying a golden basket
filled with colored eggs. Beside Her is Her companion, a frisky magical
Rabbit. As They come closer to you, you see that with each step that
They take, the land around them bursts into new life and grows green.
New grasses sprout from the ground. Herbs flourish. Trees grow new leaves.
You call out a welcome to Them and to the Spring they bring. As you meet
face to face, you see that the Goddess Ostara and the Rabbit are both
smiling a welcome to you. Ostara then holds Her golden basket toward you
and invites you to chose one of the eggs in it as a gift of Spring. You
notice that each egg has a different color. You see the beautiful array
of choices. You feel more drawn to one of the eggs than the others and
choose it. Now you hold the egg that you have selected in both of your
hands.
You first focus on its color and reflect on what that color means to
you. ..... Then Ostara invites you to ask this Sacred Egg to give you a
message about personal growth. You ask this and then are quiet as you
pay attention to whatever words, symbols, sensations, impressions,
and/or other forms of message emerge. ......
Ostara now invites you to take this Sacred Egg and its power of new
growth into yourself. You hold it to your heart and as you do this, you
absorb it into your being. You experience the renewal of Springtime. You
radiate vitality. Be immersed in this experience. ......
Continuing to experience vitality within you, you prepare to end this
meditative journey. You reflect once more on the color and message of
the Sacred Egg. ..... You bid Ostara and Her Rabbit companion farewell
for now, knowing that they continue to live within your consciousness to
guide you in your Springtime growth. ..... When you feel ready, take
several deep, slow breaths to aid you in returning to waking
consciousness. .... Then slowly rise, stretch, and orient to the here
and now, as you carry with you the memory of your experiences on the
journey you have just completed.
Take a few moments now and note down your experiences, including
guidance your received for personal growth. ..... Now, let the vitality
of Spring renewal continue to be with you as you go about your daily life.
For an Ostara altar,
think about
•This is a great time for that proverbial spring cleaning. House are often aired out and refreshed after being closed up tightly for most of the winter months.
•Fresh flowers - early spring bloomers and pastel colors are symbolic of this time of the year.
•Branches from budding and blooming trees
•Symbols of spring fertility - eggs were always associated with this holiday as were rabbits, which breed plentifully.
•Crystals - stones that reflect the colors and shapes (eggs) of the season are appropriate, such as rose quartz, pale aquamarines and amethysts, light tourmalines and moonstones.
•Incense - gentle, floral scents
History of Ostara - The Spring Equinox
Many Holidays, Many Names:
The word Ostara is just one of the names applied to the celebration of the spring equinox on March 21. The Venerable Bede said the origin of the word is actually from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of spring. Of course, it's also the same time as the Christian Easter celebration, and in the Jewish faith, Passover takes place as well. Despite its word origins, the Pagan Germans and Celts didn't celebrate the spring equinox, so Ostara is one of the "new" Pagan and Wiccan holidays.
A New Day Begins:
A dynasty of Persian kings known as the Achaemenians celebrated the spring equinox with the festival of Noruz -- which means "new day." It is a celebration of hope and renewal still observed today in many Persian countries, and has its roots in Zoroastrianism. In Iran, a festival called Chahar-Shanbeh Suri takes place right before Noruz begins, and people purify their homes and leap over fires to welcome the 13-day celebration of Noruz.
Mad as a March Hare:
Spring equinox is a time for fertility and sowing seeds, and so nature's fertility goes a little crazy. In medieval societies in Europe, the March hare was viewed as a major fertility symbol -- this is a species of rabbit that is nocturnal most of the year, but in March when mating season begins, there are bunnies everywhere all day long. The female of the species is superfecund and can conceive a second litter while still pregnant with a first. As if that wasn't enough, the males tend to get frustrated when rebuffed by their mates, and bounce around erratically when discouraged.
The Legends of Mithras:
The story of the Roman god, Mithras, is similar to the tale of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. Born at the winter solstice and resurrected in the spring, Mithras helped his followers ascend to the realm of light after death. In one legend, Mithras, who was popular amongst members of the Roman military, was ordered by the Sun to sacrifice a white bull. He reluctantly obeyed, but at the moment when his knife entered the creature's body, a miracle took place. The bull turned into the moon, and Mithras' cloak became the night sky. Where the bull's blood fell flowers grew, and stalks of grain sprouted from its tail.
Spring Celebrations Around the World:
In ancient Rome, the followers of Cybele believed that their goddess had a consort who was born via a virgin birth. His name was Attis, and he died and was resurrected each year during the time of the vernal equinox on the Julian Calendar (between March 22 and March 25). Around the same time, the Germanic tribes honored a lunar goddess known as Ostara, who mated with a fertility god around this time of year, and then gave birth nine months later – at Yule.
The indigenous Mayan people in Central American have celebrated a spring equinox festival for ten centuries. As the sun sets on the day of the equinox on the great ceremonial pyramid, El Castillo, Mexico, its "western face...is bathed in the late afternoon sunlight. The lengthening shadows appear to run from the top of the pyramid's northern staircase to the bottom, giving the illusion of a diamond-backed snake in descent." This has been called "The Return of the Sun Serpent" since ancient times.
According to the venerable Bede, Eostre was the Saxon version of the Germanic goddess Ostara. Her feast day was held on the full moon following the vernal equinox -- almost the identical calculation as for the Christian Easter in the west. One delightful legend associated with Eostre was that she found an injured bird on the ground one winter. To save its life, she transformed it into a hare. But "the transformation was not a complete one. The bird took the appearance of a hare but retained the ability to lay eggs. ..the hare would decorate these eggs and leave them as gifts to Eostre."
Modern Celebrations
This is a good time of year to start your seedlings. If you grow an herb garden, start getting the soil ready for late spring plantings. Celebrate the balance of light and dark as the sun begins to tip the scales, and the return of new growth is near.
Many modern Wiccans and Pagans celebrate Ostara as a time of renewal and rebirth. Take some time to celebrate the new life that surrounds you in nature -- walk in park, lay in the grass, hike through a forest. As you do so, observe all the new things beginning around you -- plants, flowers, insects, birds. Meditate upon the ever-moving Wheel Of The Year, and celebrate the change of seasons.
Ostara Meditation
Introduction
Ostara is the Goddess of Spring and the Dawn, whose worship goes back to
ancient Pagan Teutonic/Saxon cultures. Contemporary Pagans of many paths
honor Her at Spring Equinox time. Also known as Eostre, the Christian
festival of Easter was named for Her, and the Easter Bunny, baskets, and
colored eggs that are part of Springtime and Easter celebrations in
America, Europe, and other parts of the world are rooted in Her lore and
symbology.
Over the years, I have created and guided Ostara meditations as part of
our Welcome Spring Festival at Circle Sanctuary at Spring Equinox time.
This form of my Ostara meditation which I present here can be done as
part of a group ritual or as a personal meditation. It can be a ritual
itself or included as part of a longer ritual. In guiding this
meditation for others as part of a group setting, pause between
paragraphs and include longer pauses indicated by ....... In guiding
this meditation for yourself, you may find recording it on a tape first
and then playing it can deepen your experience.
Meditation
Find a comfortable, safe, and quiet place to be for this meditation.
Close your eyes. Relax and center yourself by taking deep slow breaths.
Now journey inward.
Imagine that you are in a hilly countryside. It is just before dawn at
the beginning of Springtime. The land is nearing the end of its
Wintertime slumber.
You face the East and watch the Sun as it begins to rise. Rays of light
shimmer onto the land and into the sky. Experience the beautiful colors
of light that is the Dawn.
Now, as the glowing disc of the Sun becomes visible above the hills, you
see the Goddess Ostara appear on the land in the distance in the East.
She is beginning to move toward you. As She moves, the land awakens with
new life.
You see Her coming toward you in the form of a Beautiful Maiden. You see
Her radiant face and flowing gown. She is carrying a golden basket
filled with colored eggs. Beside Her is Her companion, a frisky magical
Rabbit. As They come closer to you, you see that with each step that
They take, the land around them bursts into new life and grows green.
New grasses sprout from the ground. Herbs flourish. Trees grow new leaves.
You call out a welcome to Them and to the Spring they bring. As you meet
face to face, you see that the Goddess Ostara and the Rabbit are both
smiling a welcome to you. Ostara then holds Her golden basket toward you
and invites you to chose one of the eggs in it as a gift of Spring. You
notice that each egg has a different color. You see the beautiful array
of choices. You feel more drawn to one of the eggs than the others and
choose it. Now you hold the egg that you have selected in both of your
hands.
You first focus on its color and reflect on what that color means to
you. ..... Then Ostara invites you to ask this Sacred Egg to give you a
message about personal growth. You ask this and then are quiet as you
pay attention to whatever words, symbols, sensations, impressions,
and/or other forms of message emerge. ......
Ostara now invites you to take this Sacred Egg and its power of new
growth into yourself. You hold it to your heart and as you do this, you
absorb it into your being. You experience the renewal of Springtime. You
radiate vitality. Be immersed in this experience. ......
Continuing to experience vitality within you, you prepare to end this
meditative journey. You reflect once more on the color and message of
the Sacred Egg. ..... You bid Ostara and Her Rabbit companion farewell
for now, knowing that they continue to live within your consciousness to
guide you in your Springtime growth. ..... When you feel ready, take
several deep, slow breaths to aid you in returning to waking
consciousness. .... Then slowly rise, stretch, and orient to the here
and now, as you carry with you the memory of your experiences on the
journey you have just completed.
Take a few moments now and note down your experiences, including
guidance your received for personal growth. ..... Now, let the vitality
of Spring renewal continue to be with you as you go about your daily life.
For an Ostara altar,
think about
•This is a great time for that proverbial spring cleaning. House are often aired out and refreshed after being closed up tightly for most of the winter months.
•Fresh flowers - early spring bloomers and pastel colors are symbolic of this time of the year.
•Branches from budding and blooming trees
•Symbols of spring fertility - eggs were always associated with this holiday as were rabbits, which breed plentifully.
•Crystals - stones that reflect the colors and shapes (eggs) of the season are appropriate, such as rose quartz, pale aquamarines and amethysts, light tourmalines and moonstones.
•Incense - gentle, floral scents
The Raven, the horse and the Goddess
Something I read that I thought was worth sharing...
The Raven, The Horse, The GoddessBy Sorita d’Este
“I knew by the voice of the raven, each morning since you journeyed from me, that your downfall was true and certain.”
The Lay of the Wife of Meargach, Ossianic Society 4:173.
In the British Isles, the Raven is probably the bird most commonly found associated with Gods and Goddesses who were worshipped and celebrated here by our ancestors. The Raven also occurs on a regular basis in the mythology and symbolism of the Saxon and Norse deities. Likewise worship of horse Goddesses was widely spread throughout the Celtic world. Horses represented wealth and power, and their speed and nobility were seen as being a way to be closer to the Gods. Horses further feature heavily in Celtic Christian literature, further emphasising their enduring importance as religious icons.
Probably the best known association of a Goddess with Ravens can be found in tales of The Morrígan, the Irish Celtic Battle Goddess, who is known for her shapeshifting abilities, particular when she appears as Badb (whose name translates as “raven” or “crow”) an example of which is found in this old manuscript [MSS Trinity H3.18]:
“It is one of the three Morrígna, that is Macha and Badb and Morrígan. Whence Mesrad Machae, Macha’s mast, that is the heads of men after their slaughter. As Dub Ruise said: There are rough places yonder, where men cut off Macha’s mast; where they drive young calves into the fold; where the raven-women instigate battle.”
In the Táin Bó Cúailnge we see the Morrígan appear as a raven when she warns the Brown Bull of Cúailnge of the impending attempt to steal him, whilst Badb appears in her raven form to stand on the dying hero Cú Chulainn’s shoulder.
The entire race of Giants, the race of Gods known as the Túatha dé Danann, is symbolised as ravens in the prophetic dream of Eochaid, King of the Fir Bolgs during the First Battle of Moytura. In this dream, recounted in the Cath Muighe Tuireadh, Eochaid sees a great flock of black birds invading Ireland.
But it is not only the Morrígan who appears as a Raven, the name of the Welsh Goddess Branwen translates as “white raven”, so it is clear that she also was seen as being associated with these birds. In Gaul Epona, who is usually associated with horses was sometimes depicted with ravens, as was the Gallic Goddess Nantosuelta.
Macha, one of the three Morrígna discussed above, was undoubtedly associated with horses. Her name which means “pasture” links her to grazing land, indicating a possible equine link, but it is in her role as the divine, yet mortal bride of the wealthy farmer Crunnchu we find the most obvious links. As his wife she brings him great prosperity, but she warns him to never boast about her to anyone.
Of course he ignored her warnings and boasted to others that his wife could run so fast that she would easily outrun the King’s horses. The King upon hearing this boast imprisons Crunnchu and the only way for Macha to save her husband is to run against the King’s horses in at the Ulster Assembly. Appealing to the crowd and the King, Macha who is nine months pregnant, asks them to let her first deliver her babies. She pleas saying with them saying: “a mother bore each one of you”, but her pleading is ignored and she is forced to run. As a result she warns them that she would curse all of Ulster for what they were doing to her. As she wins the race she gives birth to twins, dying in the process. As she does so she curses the Ulstermen with the “ces noinden” a weakness curse which would cause them to become as helpless as a woman in childbirth for five days and four nights whenever they needed their strength the most. This would last for nine generations and laid the foundations for many future events.
The Welsh Goddess Rhiannon had a white horse that could outrun any horse without even breaking sweat and when she was unjustly punished for killing her son (who was in fact still alive) as recorded in Pwyll Prince of Dyved, in the White Book of Rhydderch she was forced to take the role of a horse herself, carrying people as punishment.
The Gallic Epona, who was adopted by the Roman army and brought to the British Isles is probably the best known horse Goddess. Her name means “Divine Horse” and the depictions of her usually show her riding a horse. The Goddess Áine was also sometimes known as “Lair Derg” meaning “Red Mare” which might suggest that she was also given equine qualities.
But the Raven and Horse were not exclusively linked to Goddesses, they are also strongly linked to a number of Gods. Famously the Saxon God Woden’s two ravens, Huginn and Muninn (“Thought” and “Memory”) would fly around the world each day and then return to his shoulders to report what they had seen.
Other Gods associated with Ravens include the Irish God Lugh, who is warned by two ravens of the approach of the Fomorians before the Second Battle of Moytura. In the founding myth of Lugudunum (London) recorded in De Flavis of pseudo-Plutarch, I.4. we learn that the location of the new city was chosen when a flock of ravens landed there, the reason why it was named after Lugh, the God of Ravens! A further association with the city of London and Ravens is found through the “Tower of London” which was built on “Bryn Gwyn” (White Hill) the location where Bran’s head was buried to keep Britain safe from invasion, which it did until King Arthur dug it up and chucked it into the Thames declaring that he was the only protector Britain needed. The name “Bran” also means “raven” and so the belief was born that if the ravens ever left the Tower of London terrible disaster would befall Britain, which is why to this day some are kept at the Tower of London.
The associations between horses and male Gods are fewer, but they do exist. The Irish God Fergus is given the name “Son of Ro-ech” which means “Great Horse” thus indicating an association. He is described as having large genitals, which certainly fits in with horselike features. Less known is the “Rider God” of whom images linking him with horses have been found all over Britain, the number of brooches found depicting him from all the British Isles suggests that he was a very popular figure with the Roman legionnaires.
The Raven, The Horse, The GoddessBy Sorita d’Este
“I knew by the voice of the raven, each morning since you journeyed from me, that your downfall was true and certain.”
The Lay of the Wife of Meargach, Ossianic Society 4:173.
In the British Isles, the Raven is probably the bird most commonly found associated with Gods and Goddesses who were worshipped and celebrated here by our ancestors. The Raven also occurs on a regular basis in the mythology and symbolism of the Saxon and Norse deities. Likewise worship of horse Goddesses was widely spread throughout the Celtic world. Horses represented wealth and power, and their speed and nobility were seen as being a way to be closer to the Gods. Horses further feature heavily in Celtic Christian literature, further emphasising their enduring importance as religious icons.
Probably the best known association of a Goddess with Ravens can be found in tales of The Morrígan, the Irish Celtic Battle Goddess, who is known for her shapeshifting abilities, particular when she appears as Badb (whose name translates as “raven” or “crow”) an example of which is found in this old manuscript [MSS Trinity H3.18]:
“It is one of the three Morrígna, that is Macha and Badb and Morrígan. Whence Mesrad Machae, Macha’s mast, that is the heads of men after their slaughter. As Dub Ruise said: There are rough places yonder, where men cut off Macha’s mast; where they drive young calves into the fold; where the raven-women instigate battle.”
In the Táin Bó Cúailnge we see the Morrígan appear as a raven when she warns the Brown Bull of Cúailnge of the impending attempt to steal him, whilst Badb appears in her raven form to stand on the dying hero Cú Chulainn’s shoulder.
The entire race of Giants, the race of Gods known as the Túatha dé Danann, is symbolised as ravens in the prophetic dream of Eochaid, King of the Fir Bolgs during the First Battle of Moytura. In this dream, recounted in the Cath Muighe Tuireadh, Eochaid sees a great flock of black birds invading Ireland.
But it is not only the Morrígan who appears as a Raven, the name of the Welsh Goddess Branwen translates as “white raven”, so it is clear that she also was seen as being associated with these birds. In Gaul Epona, who is usually associated with horses was sometimes depicted with ravens, as was the Gallic Goddess Nantosuelta.
Macha, one of the three Morrígna discussed above, was undoubtedly associated with horses. Her name which means “pasture” links her to grazing land, indicating a possible equine link, but it is in her role as the divine, yet mortal bride of the wealthy farmer Crunnchu we find the most obvious links. As his wife she brings him great prosperity, but she warns him to never boast about her to anyone.
Of course he ignored her warnings and boasted to others that his wife could run so fast that she would easily outrun the King’s horses. The King upon hearing this boast imprisons Crunnchu and the only way for Macha to save her husband is to run against the King’s horses in at the Ulster Assembly. Appealing to the crowd and the King, Macha who is nine months pregnant, asks them to let her first deliver her babies. She pleas saying with them saying: “a mother bore each one of you”, but her pleading is ignored and she is forced to run. As a result she warns them that she would curse all of Ulster for what they were doing to her. As she wins the race she gives birth to twins, dying in the process. As she does so she curses the Ulstermen with the “ces noinden” a weakness curse which would cause them to become as helpless as a woman in childbirth for five days and four nights whenever they needed their strength the most. This would last for nine generations and laid the foundations for many future events.
The Welsh Goddess Rhiannon had a white horse that could outrun any horse without even breaking sweat and when she was unjustly punished for killing her son (who was in fact still alive) as recorded in Pwyll Prince of Dyved, in the White Book of Rhydderch she was forced to take the role of a horse herself, carrying people as punishment.
The Gallic Epona, who was adopted by the Roman army and brought to the British Isles is probably the best known horse Goddess. Her name means “Divine Horse” and the depictions of her usually show her riding a horse. The Goddess Áine was also sometimes known as “Lair Derg” meaning “Red Mare” which might suggest that she was also given equine qualities.
But the Raven and Horse were not exclusively linked to Goddesses, they are also strongly linked to a number of Gods. Famously the Saxon God Woden’s two ravens, Huginn and Muninn (“Thought” and “Memory”) would fly around the world each day and then return to his shoulders to report what they had seen.
Other Gods associated with Ravens include the Irish God Lugh, who is warned by two ravens of the approach of the Fomorians before the Second Battle of Moytura. In the founding myth of Lugudunum (London) recorded in De Flavis of pseudo-Plutarch, I.4. we learn that the location of the new city was chosen when a flock of ravens landed there, the reason why it was named after Lugh, the God of Ravens! A further association with the city of London and Ravens is found through the “Tower of London” which was built on “Bryn Gwyn” (White Hill) the location where Bran’s head was buried to keep Britain safe from invasion, which it did until King Arthur dug it up and chucked it into the Thames declaring that he was the only protector Britain needed. The name “Bran” also means “raven” and so the belief was born that if the ravens ever left the Tower of London terrible disaster would befall Britain, which is why to this day some are kept at the Tower of London.
The associations between horses and male Gods are fewer, but they do exist. The Irish God Fergus is given the name “Son of Ro-ech” which means “Great Horse” thus indicating an association. He is described as having large genitals, which certainly fits in with horselike features. Less known is the “Rider God” of whom images linking him with horses have been found all over Britain, the number of brooches found depicting him from all the British Isles suggests that he was a very popular figure with the Roman legionnaires.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Sabbat Tree
A friend posted this on another site..and I had to share! I love the idea!!
Let’s Make a Sabbat Tree!
— Lauren Foster-MacLeod is an artist and writer. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with her husband Jim and her two children, Lee and Skye.
As the Wheel of the Year turns, Pagans celebrate the changing seasons every six weeks, as each of the eight sabbats takes its turn. We can choose many ways to mark these special occasions. There are rituals, meals, songs, games, and — of course — crafts.
Here’s a craft idea that can be used throughout the year — a Sabbat Tree. The size you choose for your Sabbat tree will most likely be determined by the space you have to put it, or the enthusiasm displayed by your family in the amount of decorations they decide to “deck” it with.
To start, you will need a well-balanced bare tree branch, either found, or pruned from a tree (if you do this, don’t forget to ask the tree’s permission, and to leave an offering of thanks.) For a base, I suggest a tree log-slice big enough to bear the weight of the branch.
1. Drill a hole part-way through (but deep enough) the middle of the log-slice to fit the width of the base of the branch, and fit it in.
2. Gluing it in place is optional, as is painting the branch and/or the base. (I painted the base of mine deep red and splattered white paint on it.) The size of your tree may vary from being a floor model, to being a table top centeriece for your altar. If space is at a minimum, another option is to take a branch and tailor it to be mounted on the wall.
There are many ways to decorate your tree for each Sabbat, depending on your beliefs and personal taste. You may prefer home-made decorations to store-bought, or you might like both. Your collection of decorations can grow from year to year.
Starting with:
Yule (Dec. 21), we are celebrating the return of the sun, so decorations like suns, stars and gold garlands are appropriate. Quite a few Christmas decorations apply, since the imagery was originally taken from Pagan beliefs, like holly, ivy, mistletoe, Yule logs, gilded apples, and pinecones. Snowflakes mimic the season, ginger- bread cookies in all kinds of seasonal shapes, as well as pomanders made from clementine oranges, cloves and ribbon reflect the smells and tastes of the season. You can represent the baby sun god with a baby, and the old Holly King with a Santa-like figure.
Imbolc (Feb.2) is another celebration of the Sun’s return, so you can keep the sun decorations on your tree. Brigit’s crosses, a Brigit’s bed, white and yellow ribbons, strawcraft corn-dollies, Bride’s cakes, corn-hulk dolls, lambs (as it is lambing season), and hearts for Valen- tine’s day, which has Pagan roots.
Ostara (March 21) is an easy one as most Easter deco- rations are of Pagan origin and celebrate Spring’s rebirth. Colored and decorated eggs, bunnies, chicks, multi-colored ribbons, spring flowers, pussywillows and wee bird’s nests.
Beltane (May 1) celebrates the fertility of the God and Goddess. Deck your tree with multi-colored ribbons, flower blossoms, bees, fairies, bells, pot-pourri sachets, wish cloths, a flower crown for the May Queen and a laurel crown for the May King, and add a colorful string of beads and crystals for the fairies.
Litha (June 21) celebrates the longest day of the year. Sun decorations such as solar wheels, sun medallions, and yellow ribbons represent the sun’s zenith. Magical herb bundles, magical symbols, triple Goddess braids and witches ladders for protection.
Lammas (August1) celebrates the corn harvest, so I suggest corn dollies, small decorative ears of corn, corn-cob crafts, corn-kernel garlands, corn husk dolls, and bread- dough decorations.
Mabon (September 22) is a harvest festival and a time of balance. The corn-kernel garlands and small ears of corn can stay on the tree, and autumnal Thank-giving symbols such as the cornucopia, decorative gourds, colourful leaves, apples, a bundle made of the last sheaf of grain harvested, and garlands of ribbons in autumn colors can adorn your tree.
Samhain (October 30-31) celebrates the last harvest and a time to honor our ancestors and those who have left this earthly realm. Choose from the many Halloween decorations available, such as pump- kins, skeletons, and witches. Autumn leaves, orange and yellow flowers, nuts, lanterns, black and white crepe paper and photgraphs and mementos of ancestors and beloved deceased friends show respect for this Sabbat.
Let’s Make a Sabbat Tree!
— Lauren Foster-MacLeod is an artist and writer. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with her husband Jim and her two children, Lee and Skye.
As the Wheel of the Year turns, Pagans celebrate the changing seasons every six weeks, as each of the eight sabbats takes its turn. We can choose many ways to mark these special occasions. There are rituals, meals, songs, games, and — of course — crafts.
Here’s a craft idea that can be used throughout the year — a Sabbat Tree. The size you choose for your Sabbat tree will most likely be determined by the space you have to put it, or the enthusiasm displayed by your family in the amount of decorations they decide to “deck” it with.
To start, you will need a well-balanced bare tree branch, either found, or pruned from a tree (if you do this, don’t forget to ask the tree’s permission, and to leave an offering of thanks.) For a base, I suggest a tree log-slice big enough to bear the weight of the branch.
1. Drill a hole part-way through (but deep enough) the middle of the log-slice to fit the width of the base of the branch, and fit it in.
2. Gluing it in place is optional, as is painting the branch and/or the base. (I painted the base of mine deep red and splattered white paint on it.) The size of your tree may vary from being a floor model, to being a table top centeriece for your altar. If space is at a minimum, another option is to take a branch and tailor it to be mounted on the wall.
There are many ways to decorate your tree for each Sabbat, depending on your beliefs and personal taste. You may prefer home-made decorations to store-bought, or you might like both. Your collection of decorations can grow from year to year.
Starting with:
Yule (Dec. 21), we are celebrating the return of the sun, so decorations like suns, stars and gold garlands are appropriate. Quite a few Christmas decorations apply, since the imagery was originally taken from Pagan beliefs, like holly, ivy, mistletoe, Yule logs, gilded apples, and pinecones. Snowflakes mimic the season, ginger- bread cookies in all kinds of seasonal shapes, as well as pomanders made from clementine oranges, cloves and ribbon reflect the smells and tastes of the season. You can represent the baby sun god with a baby, and the old Holly King with a Santa-like figure.
Imbolc (Feb.2) is another celebration of the Sun’s return, so you can keep the sun decorations on your tree. Brigit’s crosses, a Brigit’s bed, white and yellow ribbons, strawcraft corn-dollies, Bride’s cakes, corn-hulk dolls, lambs (as it is lambing season), and hearts for Valen- tine’s day, which has Pagan roots.
Ostara (March 21) is an easy one as most Easter deco- rations are of Pagan origin and celebrate Spring’s rebirth. Colored and decorated eggs, bunnies, chicks, multi-colored ribbons, spring flowers, pussywillows and wee bird’s nests.
Beltane (May 1) celebrates the fertility of the God and Goddess. Deck your tree with multi-colored ribbons, flower blossoms, bees, fairies, bells, pot-pourri sachets, wish cloths, a flower crown for the May Queen and a laurel crown for the May King, and add a colorful string of beads and crystals for the fairies.
Litha (June 21) celebrates the longest day of the year. Sun decorations such as solar wheels, sun medallions, and yellow ribbons represent the sun’s zenith. Magical herb bundles, magical symbols, triple Goddess braids and witches ladders for protection.
Lammas (August1) celebrates the corn harvest, so I suggest corn dollies, small decorative ears of corn, corn-cob crafts, corn-kernel garlands, corn husk dolls, and bread- dough decorations.
Mabon (September 22) is a harvest festival and a time of balance. The corn-kernel garlands and small ears of corn can stay on the tree, and autumnal Thank-giving symbols such as the cornucopia, decorative gourds, colourful leaves, apples, a bundle made of the last sheaf of grain harvested, and garlands of ribbons in autumn colors can adorn your tree.
Samhain (October 30-31) celebrates the last harvest and a time to honor our ancestors and those who have left this earthly realm. Choose from the many Halloween decorations available, such as pump- kins, skeletons, and witches. Autumn leaves, orange and yellow flowers, nuts, lanterns, black and white crepe paper and photgraphs and mementos of ancestors and beloved deceased friends show respect for this Sabbat.
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