Beltane was low-key this year. It was my coven's off-week, so I relaxed at home with my husband and did some divination. The following weekend was Grove of Gaia Fest, held by another local group annually. My husband and I spent the day and had fun browsing the vendors and hanging out with many friends. He bought me Deborah Blake's Everyday Witch Tarot Deck, which was illustrated by Elisabeth Alba, who is the sister of a friend of ours, as an early birthday gift. I absolutely love the art in this deck, and as someone who is still (slowly) learning Tarot, I find the cards very easy to interact with and intuit from. It came in a really nice box, accompanied by a sizeable guidebook to using and interpreting the cards. In the book, each card has a quote with it that really nicely sums up the energy in the image. I also found myself a drum for a ridiculously low price, a magical pillow decorated with Porgs (don't ask), and an amazing woodburned box with Odin, Freyja, Thor, and Huginn and Munnin on it. Oh, and some Florida Water soap, because that's just useful.
There's been a lot of big energetic shifts happening in my life recently, and I am still waiting to see how everything plays out. I've been trying to focus on the present, which has been a challenge at times. This weekend was really busy, as I anticipate next weekend will be as well. My birthday is next Friday, and my mum and I have a trip to our favorite nursery planned to get plants for my garden. I can't wait. I need time with my plant friends. I stopped at Garden Dreams Urban Farm and Nursery this afternoon and got some herb and flower friends (Provence lavender-white and regular, lemon verbena, French thyme, Tuscan rosemary, stevia, and violets).
One of my coveners (and best friends) publicly announced her pregnancy today. I am so, so, SO overjoyed for her and excited to be an auntie yet again. She's having a little girl. Another witch on Earth! <3 <3 <3
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Early morning thinky thoughts
I woke up to the sunrise this morning, which was delightful. I laid in bed for a bit, my cat curled up against me, purring, and watched it before I dragged my butt out of bed to put the coffee on and start my day.
Next weekend I am diving into Iron Pentacle work. I am feeling excited and a bit apprehensive. I have a shorter work week this week as I'm going to a disability and mental health summit on Thursday and Friday. Hoping to get to meet Mike Doyle and shake his hand. We shall see. On Sunday night after IP I am going to see Nightwish, my favorite band, who are making a stop in Pittsburgh. So it will be a busy weekend full of magic.
My husband and I spent some time together this weekend, since he was away last week. Friday evening we went to see 'A Wrinkle in Time.' I deeply loved the book as a child. I very much enjoyed the film-it was beautiful to watch, and the casting was amazing. I felt like they had to cut a lot of the details of the book out which left the story feeling disjointed a bit for me and for my husband, who has never read the book. Sometimes that happens trying to translate one medium to another...but we definitely enjoyed ourselves regardless. Mrs. Who was perfect, and Charles Wallace was SPOT ON. Yesterday we had lunch at my favorite Indian restaurant, and stopped at our friendly local metaphysical shop, Moonstones A Metaphysical Haven, before heading to the grocery store. I found a beautiful calcite gazing ball and got some spell candles for abundance, motivation, problem solving, creativity, and money. I also found a funny little gift for two friends who are getting married in May.
I discovered a new podcast that I am really digging on. It's called The Garden of Ink and Bones and is hosted by two Australian witches, Belle and Rue. There's only been 2 episodes so far, but I'm hopeful they will continue it. They spend a large portion of time talking about a particular herb, and encourage their listeners to spend time over the next month working with it, and then usually will also review a book. The first episode they focused on mugwort, a herb I dearly love, and I learned some things I didn't know about it, and got some ideas for working with it that are new for me. They also reviewed a book that sounded fascinating, but to my disappointment when I went searching for it on Amazon appears to be out of print and only available via 3rd party sellers for several hundred dollars. Ah well.
Earlier this week I planted my first actual seeds for the season. I have trays of lemon bee balm and self heal in the window, waiting to sprout. I also have mugwort and yarrow I still need to plant. I am so anxious for the equinox, for spring, to get my hands into the dirt, to whisper to the growing things.
My father's birthday is Tuesday.
I think that's it. Abundant spring blessings to all you fine folks.
Next weekend I am diving into Iron Pentacle work. I am feeling excited and a bit apprehensive. I have a shorter work week this week as I'm going to a disability and mental health summit on Thursday and Friday. Hoping to get to meet Mike Doyle and shake his hand. We shall see. On Sunday night after IP I am going to see Nightwish, my favorite band, who are making a stop in Pittsburgh. So it will be a busy weekend full of magic.
My husband and I spent some time together this weekend, since he was away last week. Friday evening we went to see 'A Wrinkle in Time.' I deeply loved the book as a child. I very much enjoyed the film-it was beautiful to watch, and the casting was amazing. I felt like they had to cut a lot of the details of the book out which left the story feeling disjointed a bit for me and for my husband, who has never read the book. Sometimes that happens trying to translate one medium to another...but we definitely enjoyed ourselves regardless. Mrs. Who was perfect, and Charles Wallace was SPOT ON. Yesterday we had lunch at my favorite Indian restaurant, and stopped at our friendly local metaphysical shop, Moonstones A Metaphysical Haven, before heading to the grocery store. I found a beautiful calcite gazing ball and got some spell candles for abundance, motivation, problem solving, creativity, and money. I also found a funny little gift for two friends who are getting married in May.
I discovered a new podcast that I am really digging on. It's called The Garden of Ink and Bones and is hosted by two Australian witches, Belle and Rue. There's only been 2 episodes so far, but I'm hopeful they will continue it. They spend a large portion of time talking about a particular herb, and encourage their listeners to spend time over the next month working with it, and then usually will also review a book. The first episode they focused on mugwort, a herb I dearly love, and I learned some things I didn't know about it, and got some ideas for working with it that are new for me. They also reviewed a book that sounded fascinating, but to my disappointment when I went searching for it on Amazon appears to be out of print and only available via 3rd party sellers for several hundred dollars. Ah well.
Earlier this week I planted my first actual seeds for the season. I have trays of lemon bee balm and self heal in the window, waiting to sprout. I also have mugwort and yarrow I still need to plant. I am so anxious for the equinox, for spring, to get my hands into the dirt, to whisper to the growing things.
My father's birthday is Tuesday.
I think that's it. Abundant spring blessings to all you fine folks.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Baba Yaga, Vasalisa the Wise, and the Pearl Pentacle
Last weekend I attended a Reclaiming Pearl Pentacle intensive held here in Pittsburgh that was led by my dear friend Amoret Briarrose and her dear friend Phoenix LeFae from California. The story they chose for us to work over the weekend was The Doll in Her Pocket: Vasalisa the Wise as told by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes in her book, 'Women Who Run With the Wolves.'
The Pearl Pentacle is a tool from Reclaiming's older cousin, the Feri tradition. Its five points are Love, Law, Wisdom, Liberty, and Knowledge. We ran Pearl energy throughout the weekend and did exercises related to each of the points. We processed. We journaled. We made so much magic. We moved energy and energy moved us.
Pearl Pentacle is a variation of another Feri tool known as the Iron Pentacle. Often folks work with Iron first, which is thought to be work of the self, and then Pearl, which is thought to be work of community which can happen over many lifetimes. I happened to encounter Pearl first, and will be working with Iron in the near future at another intensive.
I am still processing. And I am still being moved.
Sometimes, you think you are working a story, and in fact, the story is actually working you.
The Pearl Pentacle is a tool from Reclaiming's older cousin, the Feri tradition. Its five points are Love, Law, Wisdom, Liberty, and Knowledge. We ran Pearl energy throughout the weekend and did exercises related to each of the points. We processed. We journaled. We made so much magic. We moved energy and energy moved us.
Pearl Pentacle is a variation of another Feri tool known as the Iron Pentacle. Often folks work with Iron first, which is thought to be work of the self, and then Pearl, which is thought to be work of community which can happen over many lifetimes. I happened to encounter Pearl first, and will be working with Iron in the near future at another intensive.
I am still processing. And I am still being moved.
Sometimes, you think you are working a story, and in fact, the story is actually working you.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saying goodbye to 2017 with hygge and herbs
It's New Year's Eve and I am curled up at home with a cup of steaming tea in my fleeciest pajamas and bunches of candles (and the soon to be dismantled tree) lit. My husband has been ill with a nasty cold over the past several days. I myself have been fighting off a sinus infection which I seem to currently have the upper hand against thanks to the medicine of some herbal friends (elderberry, rose hips, astragalus, echinacea, and ginger root). We had wanted to spend the evening at his sister's, where we usually go for New Year's, but given that his symptoms have not improved much, we decided it would probably be best for us to stay home.
It's been quite cold the last few days...today when I woke up it was 1 degree outside, with a wind chill of -4. Yesterday I had to brave the elements to run some necessary errands. Just before I left, I got a notice that one of the books I had requested from the local library was in...'How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life". So I stopped and picked it up while I was out. Later, after I was home and done with chores, I glanced it over. It looks like a really good read, though I realized as I skimmed the chapters that it very much reflects the lifestyle that I was raised with (minus the bit about engaging in sports). I don't know when my life became so complicated, but I think in 2018 I'm going to really work towards simplifying things so I can focus on what is important and what truly brings me joy.
Anyway, I think I'll leave this with a link to a blog I very much enjoyed and one of my favorite quotes from Neil Gaiman. I'm going to color and drink tea.
Happy Herbal New Year 2018
"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."
Happy New Year to all you fine folks!
It's been quite cold the last few days...today when I woke up it was 1 degree outside, with a wind chill of -4. Yesterday I had to brave the elements to run some necessary errands. Just before I left, I got a notice that one of the books I had requested from the local library was in...'How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life". So I stopped and picked it up while I was out. Later, after I was home and done with chores, I glanced it over. It looks like a really good read, though I realized as I skimmed the chapters that it very much reflects the lifestyle that I was raised with (minus the bit about engaging in sports). I don't know when my life became so complicated, but I think in 2018 I'm going to really work towards simplifying things so I can focus on what is important and what truly brings me joy.
Anyway, I think I'll leave this with a link to a blog I very much enjoyed and one of my favorite quotes from Neil Gaiman. I'm going to color and drink tea.
Happy Herbal New Year 2018
"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."
Happy New Year to all you fine folks!
Monday, December 18, 2017
This is not going to turn out the way you think...
This weekend was good. Highlights:
Thursday I was off-my husband bought us tickets for a special fan event to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi back to back. So much fun. <3
Saturday after doing a large grocery shopping trip my husband came home from house-sitting for his folks and we went out, stopping at Persad for Pittsburgh Pagan Pride Day's Winter Market fundraiser. Then we stopped at Moonstones (friendly local pagan shop) and then went out to the mall to do some more shopping and grabbed dinner at Red Robin (AYUM).
Sunday morning I dropped by a dear friend's to exchange Yule gifts before heading off to the grocery stores yet again to do my mom's shopping. I got done with my regular chores early there and was able to vacuum downstairs for her and clear the leaves her neighbors kindly let their yard workers blow into her walkway so she doesn't slip on a wet leaf and fall.
Last night I went to Spiritways' (a local CUUPS group-Covenant of UU Pagans) Yule ritual which was lovely. During the ritual we were led on a journey to Frau Holle's well to see if She had a message for us. Of course, that wasn't what happened for me.
I remember walking in knee deep snow, surrounded by evergreen trees also covered with snow. Two big wolves and several tomtens came running over to me and we played in the snow together. I made a snow angel. Then old One-Eye showed up and said, "Hey girl. Frau Holle is leading the Wild Hunt. She ain't here. C'mon." He wrapped his cloak around me and led me to another well...yeah, THAT well. It was cold, and dark, and I was incredibly thirsty. Things get a little fuzzy here. I remember he said something about His eye, and having to be willing to let go of a piece of myself in order to take a drink of the water. Then he started carving runes into my flesh. He made Berkana on one forearm, and Uruz on the other, Perthro on my chest, Isa on my forehead, and Wunjo and Raidho on my feet. I could feel the blood trickling down from them and he laughed. Then I felt something on the back of my neck and sensed my grandfather standing behind me. "He says he is proud of you and thanks you for taking care of his daughter," Odin said. "Oh, and btw, Frau Holle says you need to work on getting your house in order...but you already knew that." He laughed again, and pushed me forward face first into a big snowdrift, and then I was back.
There were lots of Reclaiming Pgh folks at the ritual and we were able to move the energy the way it wanted to move, which felt wonderful and full of joy. It was good to celebrate the return of the light within community. Solstice Blessings to all you fine folks!
Thursday I was off-my husband bought us tickets for a special fan event to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi back to back. So much fun. <3
Saturday after doing a large grocery shopping trip my husband came home from house-sitting for his folks and we went out, stopping at Persad for Pittsburgh Pagan Pride Day's Winter Market fundraiser. Then we stopped at Moonstones (friendly local pagan shop) and then went out to the mall to do some more shopping and grabbed dinner at Red Robin (AYUM).
Sunday morning I dropped by a dear friend's to exchange Yule gifts before heading off to the grocery stores yet again to do my mom's shopping. I got done with my regular chores early there and was able to vacuum downstairs for her and clear the leaves her neighbors kindly let their yard workers blow into her walkway so she doesn't slip on a wet leaf and fall.
Last night I went to Spiritways' (a local CUUPS group-Covenant of UU Pagans) Yule ritual which was lovely. During the ritual we were led on a journey to Frau Holle's well to see if She had a message for us. Of course, that wasn't what happened for me.
I remember walking in knee deep snow, surrounded by evergreen trees also covered with snow. Two big wolves and several tomtens came running over to me and we played in the snow together. I made a snow angel. Then old One-Eye showed up and said, "Hey girl. Frau Holle is leading the Wild Hunt. She ain't here. C'mon." He wrapped his cloak around me and led me to another well...yeah, THAT well. It was cold, and dark, and I was incredibly thirsty. Things get a little fuzzy here. I remember he said something about His eye, and having to be willing to let go of a piece of myself in order to take a drink of the water. Then he started carving runes into my flesh. He made Berkana on one forearm, and Uruz on the other, Perthro on my chest, Isa on my forehead, and Wunjo and Raidho on my feet. I could feel the blood trickling down from them and he laughed. Then I felt something on the back of my neck and sensed my grandfather standing behind me. "He says he is proud of you and thanks you for taking care of his daughter," Odin said. "Oh, and btw, Frau Holle says you need to work on getting your house in order...but you already knew that." He laughed again, and pushed me forward face first into a big snowdrift, and then I was back.
There were lots of Reclaiming Pgh folks at the ritual and we were able to move the energy the way it wanted to move, which felt wonderful and full of joy. It was good to celebrate the return of the light within community. Solstice Blessings to all you fine folks!
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Reposting: Lusse--Midwife of the Sun
We had our first real snowfall yesterday. I am off work today, as the husband bought us tickets for a special event to see The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi later back to back. Comfy seats and everything. I'm pretty excited.
I have been learning about Frau Holle thanks to some knowledgeable folks in some Heathen and Urglaawe groups on Facebook. I can definitely feel the connection with Frigg, not as much with Freyja, but I thought this article was very interesting. Anyway, as my depression continues to improve, I've found energy for doing more household chores, like the dishes. I've been doing them in the morning while the coffee is brewing rather than letting them pile up all week. It's a small thing, but it's a start. This morning I woke up early and came down and did the dishes, got my coffee and came into the living room, lit our tree and then lit some candles, and my home felt very peaceful.
Lusse--Midwife of the Sun
I have been learning about Frau Holle thanks to some knowledgeable folks in some Heathen and Urglaawe groups on Facebook. I can definitely feel the connection with Frigg, not as much with Freyja, but I thought this article was very interesting. Anyway, as my depression continues to improve, I've found energy for doing more household chores, like the dishes. I've been doing them in the morning while the coffee is brewing rather than letting them pile up all week. It's a small thing, but it's a start. This morning I woke up early and came down and did the dishes, got my coffee and came into the living room, lit our tree and then lit some candles, and my home felt very peaceful.
Lusse--Midwife of the Sun
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Lights in the darkness
It's been a week. I'm going to focus on the positives:
1. Around Monday, I noticed that I had more energy and was able to focus and sustain my focus more than I have in the past year. And that seems to be sticking around for the time being. For those of you just joining us, I've been struggling with depression for awhile, and one of the most annoying symptoms I had was extreme difficulty focusing, almost bordering on ADHD-like at times. It made many things difficult, including things I generally enjoy, like reading and watching things on television.
2. Tuesday evening my husband and I went downtown for...KRAMPUSNACHT! We actually followed a Krampus into Market Square. He had glowing red eyes. I said, "Hi Krampus!" We watched the band 'Sleigher' whom my husband summarized as, "Christmas GWAR" (a completely accurate description). They did mostly holiday songs, but to the tunes of famous metal songs (like Deck the Halls done to the tune of War Pigs by Black Sabbath). SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I needed the laughs. In a major league way. Saw some friends. It was so good. I can't wait for next year.
3. Friday evening the husband and I went downtown again, this time for our annual visit to see the Santas of the World and gingerbread houses at PPG and the Old World Market in Market Square. That was so fun. I love our tradition so much, I look forward to it every year. We had dinner after and it was just a lovely evening. I love my husband.
4. Saturday my friend and former work partner was in town so after getting my teeth cleaned I met her for lunch at Spice Island Teahouse in Oakland and then we went to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Great afternoon. I had the thai basil fried rice and this amazing cocktail entitled the Skeleton Key with ginger beer, elderflower liqueur, Agostura's bitters, bourbon. It was so good.
5. This morning I had breakfast with a dear friend and covener, and then discovered an alternate store to do my mom's grocery shopping at that is going to save me both time and frustration, as the store closest to her is a fucking nightmare. So grateful to be in and out in 30 minutes. If I had gone to her store it would have taken me 3x as long.
1. Around Monday, I noticed that I had more energy and was able to focus and sustain my focus more than I have in the past year. And that seems to be sticking around for the time being. For those of you just joining us, I've been struggling with depression for awhile, and one of the most annoying symptoms I had was extreme difficulty focusing, almost bordering on ADHD-like at times. It made many things difficult, including things I generally enjoy, like reading and watching things on television.
2. Tuesday evening my husband and I went downtown for...KRAMPUSNACHT! We actually followed a Krampus into Market Square. He had glowing red eyes. I said, "Hi Krampus!" We watched the band 'Sleigher' whom my husband summarized as, "Christmas GWAR" (a completely accurate description). They did mostly holiday songs, but to the tunes of famous metal songs (like Deck the Halls done to the tune of War Pigs by Black Sabbath). SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I needed the laughs. In a major league way. Saw some friends. It was so good. I can't wait for next year.
3. Friday evening the husband and I went downtown again, this time for our annual visit to see the Santas of the World and gingerbread houses at PPG and the Old World Market in Market Square. That was so fun. I love our tradition so much, I look forward to it every year. We had dinner after and it was just a lovely evening. I love my husband.
4. Saturday my friend and former work partner was in town so after getting my teeth cleaned I met her for lunch at Spice Island Teahouse in Oakland and then we went to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Great afternoon. I had the thai basil fried rice and this amazing cocktail entitled the Skeleton Key with ginger beer, elderflower liqueur, Agostura's bitters, bourbon. It was so good.
5. This morning I had breakfast with a dear friend and covener, and then discovered an alternate store to do my mom's grocery shopping at that is going to save me both time and frustration, as the store closest to her is a fucking nightmare. So grateful to be in and out in 30 minutes. If I had gone to her store it would have taken me 3x as long.
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