Beltane

Beltane is the last of the three spring fertility festivals (the others being Imbolc and Ostara) celebrated approximately halfway between the Vernal (spring) Equinox and Midsummer (Summer Solstice) usually on May 1st. Festivities typically begin the evening before, on the last night of April. However, depending on your tradition, it is also celebrated on May 4th or 5th, when the sun is in 15 degrees of Taurus.

I've made up my Beltane altar in my sacred space on a smaller table than I normally set my altars out on. I wanted this altar to be more intimate and to be able to incorporate it into my Beltane ritual.

Beltane and its counterpart Samhain divide the year into its two primary seasons, winter (dark part) and summer (light part). As Samhain is about honoring death, Beltane is about honoring life. It is the time when the sun is fully released from His bondage of winter and able to rule over summer and life once again.

Beltane, like Samhain, is a time of "no time" when the veils between the two worlds are at their thinnest. No time is when the two worlds intermingle and unite and magick abounds! It is the time when Faeries return from their winter respite, carefree and full of faery mischief and faery delight.

Traditionally, on the night before Beltane, it was customary for folks to place Rowan branches at their windows and doors for protection as many other-worldly occurrences could transpire during this time of "no time". On the Isle of Man, the youngest member of the family would gather Primroses on the eve before Beltane and throw the flowers at the door of the home for protection. In Ireland it is believed that food left over from May Eve must not be eaten, but rather buried or left as an offering to the Faery instead - much like the tradition of leaving whatever is not harvested from the fields on Samhain, food at the time of "no time" is treated with great care.

Beltane is a time of fertility and fire and this is often reflected in the magick of the season. In some, but not all, traditions of Wicca and Paganism sacred sex is part of spiritual practice which takes place in the 'Great Rite' which is a ritualized connection between the God and Goddess and is often performed symbolically with an athame and chalice.

Beltane is a time to celebrate the union of the God and Goddess and to welcome the abundance of the fertile earth. Depending on your tradition, there are a number of ways you can celebrate this Sabbat. There are also many crafts that can be incorporated into your celebrations including making a May Pole for you altar.

I'll be celebrating Beltane beginning the evening of April 30th by doing a ritual to honor the 'Sacred Feminine' (you'll find the ritual here). Then on May 1st I'll plan on some little celebration - maybe I'll plant some herbs that will go into my herb garden this year, and if the weather cooperates, I may even work out in the yard preparing it for the great abundance of flowers, shrubs and trees that surround my yard with beauty.

Whatever way you celebrate Beltane, be sure to include the God and Goddess in your celebrations, for without their union and blessings on the Earth, the abundance that we enjoy would not 'spring' forth. Happy Beltane!

A Dash of This and a Pinch of That . . .

Well, here we are at Friday once again . . . the weeks go by so fast! Of course, I probably wouldn't be saying that if I worked a mundane job all week, so I feel for those of you who do.

I thought I'd share a few goodies with you that I purchased this week . . . well, that and I'm procrastinating on my Beltane post - there's so much that I want to include and I find I'm editing and re-editing - sometimes one should leave well enough alone. However, it will get done and I'll post it within the next few days.

First off is a picture I quickly snapped of a Hawk sitting in my backyard tree. I could just make him out from where I was sitting in the sunroom, surprised actually, that Bijou wasn't freaking out over him. Usually she sees them before I do and I'm left wondering what all the fuss is about. You can just make him out in about the center of the picture . . .

I popped into Marshall's the other day and picked up this little oil burner for $4.99. I love the little spirals on it which I'm sure will dance once I put a tealight candle in it. I plan on using it for the first time at Beltane.

I purchased these items from "White Magick Alchemy' on Etsy. I've been wanting an oil to use in my Esbats to dress candles and such, so this was a good find in Nan's shop. The Fires of Beltane is a resin mix I'll be using at Beltane and I also purchased three tumbled black Moonstones, which I thought would be awesome to use during Esbats.

I've been finding some rituals and spells lately that use a hand mirror in them and not owning one, I went shopping on Ebay where I found this lovely. It's a bit scratched up, but I think that just adds to the character. It will go into a black velvet bag when not in use to keep it clear.

And what would my post be of late without a mention of a stone or crystal? Well, I found this lovely Carnelian necklace at a website belonging to Judy Fritts, a talented jewelry designer, and knew I had to have it. Like I've said before, I can't get enough Carnelian right now. Judy's prices are very reasonable for the quality of work she does. I hope you'll stop by Judy's website - who knows? You might find something that jumps out at you!

Okay, so I took it off long enough to get a really good picture . . .

Have a Blessed weekend and Happy Easter to those of my family, friends and you who celebrate it.

New Stones

After finding out from a lady at my meditation evening that there's a crystal shop here in Middleton, I couldn't wait to go and check it out. Brian and I headed there on Saturday and to my surprise and delight, she had quite a selection, and a beautifully layed out store.

As usual, I wanted everything, but had to narrow it down to just a few. This is what I picked out . . .

A large Carnelian stone. I can't seem to get enough of this stone after just purchasing a Carnelian sphere a few weeks ago. Carnelian is a healing stone and also an energy booster. Perhaps that's why I'm so drawn to it right now . . . I need energy!

This is Sunstone which can give you extra energy when you are ill or under stress. It increases your self-healing powers and promotes harmony among the organs functions. Symbolically, Sunstone is linked to Moonstone. Carrying the two stones together can bring the influences of the Sun (healing, protection, success) into harmony with those of the Moon (love, peace, spirituality).

This is a stone I hadn't seen or heard of before. It's called Septarian (also known as Dragonstone) and I love it!

Septarian is a healing stone beneficial to overall health and well being. It opens one's psychic abilities, gives relief from muscle spasms, and nurtures and grounds so it's great for the Root Chakra.

I don't think I've mentioned it before here on my blog, but I've signed up for Hibiscus Moon's Crystal Healer Certification Program. She runs one class a month online and there are twelve classes, so after a year I'll be a Certified Crystal Healer. There is so much to learn and I'm looking forward to being able to incorporate crystals and stones into my Reiki practice. Now, I just need to figure out which stone to use for information retention . . .

What I'm Reading . . .

I just finished reading 'Wicca Demystified' by Brian Lankford. It is a great book for those following the Wiccan path and also to give to family or friends who are open enough to read it and understand what it has to say. The first part of the book describes Wicca and the second part is a question and answer format, which I found helpful and informative. A great read.

I picked this book up last night at Barnes and Noble. Being newly attuned as a Reiki Master I'm finding it fascinating to read about the ascended masters, angels, guides and spirits. It talks about people from the past who were ascended masters and even gives insight into who might be an ascended master today . . . that will have to wait though, I haven't even started reading the book and I don't want to spoil it.

Another book I picked up last night is Spontaneous Evolution. Okay, I'll be honest . . . I loved the cover! However, this book does sound fascinating. It talks about how we, as humanity, are turning towards a more spiritual way of being and that eventually we will evolve enough to live in love all over the planet . . . how awesome is that? I can't wait to delve into this book.

I started reading this book the other night. It's a serious book and I have to admit I'm a little daunted by it. The author makes no bones about sugar-coating anything, which is kind of refreshing, but as I said, daunting. She belongs to a coven and while the book is meant to be a learning manual of sorts, she doesn't give away secrets of the coven. A fine line to draw I think, so it will be interesting to see how she covers the ideas and concepts inherent to Wicca.

So there you have it . . . a few of the books currently on my bedside table. I found myself wishing last night that I was one of those people who could fan through the pages of a book and know all there is to know about the book . . . I even tried laying on my hands, but to no avail. I guess I'll just have to do it the old fashioned way.

Happy Reading!

Volunteerism

"Dedicate your life to a cause greater than yourself,
and your life will become a glorious adventure."
~ Mack Douglas ~

Last night I went for my orientation at the Dane County Humane Society. To say the least, I am impressed with this organization. Everything they do is for the benefit of the animals (and people) they serve. And they have fun doing it!

The orientation lasted 2 1/2 hours and during that time I found out about the mission and goals of the shelter, went on a tour, and heard from current volunteers. It was time well spent. After the presentation I couldn't sign up fast enough, get my picture taken and shout at the top of my lungs (to myself of course) WHEN DO I START?!!

I should be hearing from my trainer within the next few weeks to set up my schedule. I plan on starting with four hours - one day a week. My job will be 'Canine Companion' which means I'll be walking dogs and playing with them. Ruff, eh? (Get the pun? Rough=Ruff? I know I'm too funny!).

Anyway, if you've given volunteering just an inkling of a thought, I encourage you to get out there and at least experience the orientation. Who knows, maybe your life will be headed on a glorious adventure!

Me with my own brood - Bailey in my lap,
and from left to right; Chloei, Oliver and Shelby.

UGH!!

Good 'ol photobucket! I mean that sarcastically of course. Don't know what's going on, but the perfectionist in me is having a coniption fit . . . I'll have to send her some Reiki.

Anyway, sorry my blog is such a mess, but I hope you'll bear with me as we wade through this thing called the internet. I want to send a BIG shout-out to Sharon over at 'Plumrose Lane' for keeping us updated . . . now there's a lady who knows what customer service is all about!

Have a blessed day!

Whispering Wind

Yesterday was a beautiful day and I took advantage of it going outside to rake up and clean up my backyard. It was gloriously warm with a soft breeze blowing. After putting the birds to bed last night, Brian and I headed outside, he with coffee and me with a hot cup of apple cider. It was so beautiful with a spring storm brewing so I decided to snap some pictures and was moved to take a video as well.

If you listen at the end of the video you can hear the chime . . . what a perfect ending!

You might want to turn off my blog music by going to the bottom of the page and clicking on the large button to the left of the music player.

Blessed Friday!

Blessed Friday everyone! Here's one to get your blood pumping for the weekend . . . ENJOY!

Be sure to turn off my blog music by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on the big button to the left on the music player.

Brenda Kay ~ Visionary Artist

You will remember a few posts back I introduced you to Visionary Artist 'Brenda Kay'. This is the second installment from her 'Visionary' series and is used with her permission.

"WE ARE ONE"
(First dimension)

"I AM the alpha and omega - the beginning and the end.

I AM the dove of Peace created of ash and rising as a phoenix -
birthed of a transmuting fire.

I AM soaring as an eagle on the spiralling thermals of Love
from the heart of the Great Mother.

I AM the Light of the Father emerging from the darkness
of ignorance and suffering.

I AM the Christ."

"WE ARE ONE"

Rewriting an Old Song

If you were raised Christian then you're probably aware of a hymn entitled 'Jesus Loves Me' which you probably learned in Sunday School. I find that even as an adult, in times of stress or uneasiness, I sing this song. Most of the time to myself, but I'll sing it quite loudly in the shower when I know nobody is listening.

The hymn was originally written as a poem to comfort a dying child in 1860 by Anna B. Warner. It was put to music and the chorus added in 1861 by William Bradbury and was published as part of his hymnal collection, The Golden Sower.

While in the shower the other day, I started singing the song spontaneously, for no reason other than I wanted to hear my own voice, ha ha. Then as I was singing the song, I started to change the words. To that end, I finished it today and this is what it looks like . . . it is sung to the music of 'Jesus Loves Me' . . .

'Goddess Loves Me'

Goddess loves me,
This I know,
For Nature tells me so.
She is wise and full of love;
In my darkness She is light.

Goddess loves me through the day,
She gives me strength
To find my way.
She shows me the path to take;
Ever mindful I make my way.

Goddess loves me
In the night,
Shining down her gifts so bright.
She protects and guides me through;
Until the morning light anew.

Goddess loves me
She will stay,
Forever by me all the way.
She has made my life complete;
As above it is below.

Chorus:
Yes, Goddess loves me!
Yes, Goddess loves me!
Yes, Goddess loves me!
For nature tells me so.

~ Teresa Martens ~
April, 2011

New Stones and a Shelf to Put Them On

Last Sunday my husband drove me out to a small town a few miles away to have a look at a shelving unit that I found on Craig's list that I thought would be perfect for my crystals and stones. To be honest - it was hideous and definitely not worth the $20 they were asking for it. However, it did have a couple of redeeming qualities - it had glass shelves and a light at the top.

So, upon offering $10, which the lady gladly accepted, we were on our way . . . once we finally got the unit into the back of my car that is. Let's just say it was a very uncomfortable ride home for me.

After a good washing, a coat of primer and two coats of paint, the shelving unit turned out to be not half bad.

And of course, not one to leave a shelf empty, this past Saturday we took a drive to Milwaukee so that I could get some stones that were on my wish list. With the help of my 'intuitive' husband (he seems to have a knack for this) I was able to fulfill my wish list and then some.

On this shelf from left to right are my two Quartz Wands and a Quartz point, two Labradorite spheres, Citrine, Cherry Quartz, a Carnelian sphere (which I love, love, love), and a Smoky Quartz crystal.

On this shelf are from left to right and front to back:
Black Onyx, Garnet, Black Obsidian (Root Chakra)
Red Jasper (Sacral or 2nd Chakra)
Moonstone, Tiger's Eye, Malachite (Solar Plexus or 3rd Chakra)
Unakite, Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz (Heart or 4th Chakra)
Fluorite, Blue Kyanite, Blue Calcite (Throat or 5th Chakra)
Sugilite/Charoite, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst (Third Eye or 6th Chakra)
Black Tourmaline (Crown or 7th Chakra)

So, with some of the thousands of crystals and stones available in place, a crystal class under my belt and having signed up for an eight week crystal class, I'm on my way to seeing one of my goals realized - that of a Certified Crystal Healer.

Granted, it will take time, bit it's so worth the effort! There is just so much to learn about these amazing entities and I plan on enjoying the ride . . .

Oh! To be in England . . .

As most of you know by reading my profile, I'm a Canadian living in the United States who wishes she lived in England. There is no time when that is more true than in the Spring. With thoughts and memories of our trip to my beloved England five years ago to warm me, I'll have to content myself with pictures and daydreams of visiting once more . . .

Photo by Patrick Mayon

Oh, to be in England
Now that April's there,
And whoever wakes in England
Sees, some morning, unaware,
That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf
Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf,
While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough
In England - now!

And after April, when May follows,
And the whitethroat builds, and all the swallows
Hark! where my blossomed pear-tree in the hedge
Leans to the field and scatters on the clover
Blossoms and dewdrops - at the bent spray's edge
That's the wise thrush; he sings each song twice over,
Lest you should think he never could recapture
The first fine careless rapture!

And though the fields look rough with hoary dew,
All will be gay when noontide wakes anew
The buttercups, the little children's dower, -
Far brighter than this gaudy melon-flower!

Robert Browning
(1812-1889)