The Hearth and Hedge

Winter Wednesday

2012-01-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

Winter Wednesday

2012-01-11T21:09:00.001-05:00

I keep meaning to make a little time to sit down and get some real writing done, but it seems like there are so many things to be done and so little time to do them all in...

The last couple days have been spent doing a deep clean and organization of the kitchen. Westya's shrine has been kept dark while all of this chaos is going on. At the end of this (tomorrow afternoon, I'm hoping) I have a new candle to dedicate for Her.

I've also been trying to take advantage of this mild weather we've been having, getting out before the snow sets in. Well... assuming it does to any considerable degree. Guess I'm still having flash backs to last year, foot after foot just piling up. This year is apparently going to be warmer, and not so bad - and so far, that's been true. I believe the news said every day in December was above average, except for two or three days. Still, mid to late January through February is when we usually see our cold and snow...

Snow Moon

2012-01-08T02:45:00.001-05:00

The first full moon of the year, and although it is the Snow Moon... there's no snow yet. Nature follows her own rules, of course. (Rules that apparently include a blizzard at Samhain.)

It's actually fairly mild for a January night - only 24F. Chilly, yes, but still warm enough to be out enjoying the moonlight without discomfort.

Winter Wednesday

2012-01-04T18:51:00.020-05:00

I know it's not exactly the most wintery picture. No snow, no ice... it's hardly been cold at all this last week. However, people here know it's only a matter of time.

New Year's Dinner

2012-01-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

In my family, we have a tradition of celebrating the first day of the year with a big dinner of Japanese foods. When I was younger my Grandmother (Mama) made tons more food, but then, she was younger too! Now there's still a ton of food mind you, and every year we say how there will be less next year... but there never is.

I spent much of yesterday and some of this morning helping Mama get all the food ready. Always part learning (or remembering) how to make some of the more traditional dishes, and sometimes a bit of the history behind the foods, but also part hearing the history of the family. Often many of the same stories come up, but sometimes a new story will be told. Or more details added to a story that was never fully told.

Sometimes the stories are happy, fun... sometimes they're sad. How Mama's mother died before she turned three. Or how her good friend died of cancer - how hard she fought, and how Mama promised she'd take them both back to Japan if she would get better. How the doctors only gave her one month, but how she held on for two and tried so hard to get better, to live.

Sometimes the stories are more recent, the times of my childhood, or my Father's - other times the stories go back a few generations. My Grandfather and his brother know a good bit about their family history. Odd little things, such as how one of our relatives was on the Titanic, died on it. Or how one woman would sit on the porch drinking beer out of a teacup, so she'd still look lady-like.

I do my best to remember it all, to write down what I remember - both food and memories - so I can continue to pass these memories down... while adding in some new stories of my own.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:27:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012 folks, hope it's a great and fulfilling year!

Kapet (Kyphi)

2011-12-30T23:53:00.003-05:00

My last post got me thinking a bit on the old blog I had here a few years back. I remembered this recipe for kapet which I used in many of my rituals when honoring the Egyptian Deities. Thought it would be worth sharing again...

Kapet, also known by the Greek kyphi, is a type of incense that was popular in ancient Egypt. Quite a few recipes and methods of creation have come down to us, although many are incomplete as we do not know the correct translation for each ingredient. Kapet was burned as an incense, but it was not much like the incense we know today, as it was often more like a thick liquid. Some forms of kapet were also used as an internal medicine, or sometimes as a salve.

There are many modern ways to make Kapet, and after experimenting with a few old and new methods, this is the recipe I prefer to use.

(Day One) Pour 1 bottle of red wine into a large glass jar with tight lid. To that add 250g chopped raisins and two cinnamon sticks.
(Day Four) Add 50g chopped lemon grass.
(Day Six) Add 100g of roughly powdered myrrh.
(Day Eight) Add 4 tbsp tincture of juniper berry and 2tbsp of almond extract. Alternatively, juniper berries and crushed almonds - but add the almonds on day four if not using an extract. They will not have as strong of a scent.

(Day Fourteen) Strain the mixture, keeping the scented wine. Boil 300g honey and 60g frankincense until it becomes thick. (I keep an old separate pot for this, frankincense can be very sticky stuff when heated, and hard to fully clean off.) Then add the wine to the pot and heat until the mixture is slightly thickened and comes together. Pour back into a clean glass jar.

This kapet is very thick and sticky. To create an incense for burning over charcoal, put some of the kapet into a small bowl, and add enough benzoin powder (or equal parts benzoin and cinnamon) to make a sticky dough. Roll out small balls, and let them dry in a cool, dark area. When they're dry they can be crushed and burned on incense charcoal.

The scent is deep, spiced, and earthy - but also sweet and fruity. It does smoke a bit, but not horribly so. I sometimes play with this base recipe a bit, and it's pretty easy to experiment with a few different mixes. Rather than putting the whole bottle of wine into one jar, use a few jars and divide the other ingredients among each jar equally. To the different jars you can play with other herbs and spices, such as mint, anise, cardamon, rose or cedar. Hathor is particularly fond of the addition of anise, cardamon, and lots of rose (and slightly more heavy on the cinnamon and myrrh).

Looking back on 2011.

2011-12-30T22:45:00.004-05:00

This year was one of big changes, spiritually speaking. I...

-Formed relationships with Deities outside the Egyptian pantheon, for the first time in all my years as a pagan. I'm still reeling from this one a bit. Okay, a lot. There have been many changes to my path over the years, big and small, but the Deities were always that one constant. So for that to change, well... I knew it was coming, but it still seemed unexpected at the same time.

- Continued moving away from gender binary beliefs and practices, a process that started last year. (There wasn't much left, perhaps because there was not as much emphasis on the masculine/feminine in Kemetic reconstruction...) I'm still sorting out where I'm going with this... if anywhere. Right now I'm content to focus on other pairs (or triads) beyond gender. This has also lead to exploring Sacred Marriage in ways that are more meaningful to me.

- Continued with a deeper study of the 4 element system, while also exploring systems of 3, 5 and 8. While interesting work, nothing huge to write about.

- Retired my two oldest tools (the knife and cup), brought in new ones, which lead to understanding new symbolism and ritual uses for them. On that note, some old tools came back to the surface - some new tools came in as well. Finding that nice balance of ritual aid without being weighted down with too much stuff.

- Continued to delve deeper into the roots of traditional witchcraft. Found new little pieces that connect with bits I already had to form that bigger picture.

- Studied the Proto-Indo-Europeans. Put names to existing concepts I had, connected other concepts to each other, found a lot that resonated with my personal practice. Saw how so many different cultures are connected to this one ancestor group. Truly fascinating stuff.

- Learned a few new plants, was unable to find names for other plants. Did not do nearly as much plant work as I would have liked, but still managed to do a fair bit.

- Left old communities. Made an official parting with a part origination. Drifted away from a few communities without really meaning to. Joined new communities. Made some new friends. Cleaned up this blog, archived the old posts into my personal journal, gave it a fresh start for a year with many changes.

Overall, a lot of little elements of my practice and study fell to the side. Not surprising, since I had to spend a lot of time establishing new relationships, while maintaining and strengthening relationships with the spirits and ancestors. It was also the first year in the new apartment, so there was a lot of exploring local areas and getting to know the local spirits, too.

2011 was, overall, a good year. It was challenging, sometimes confusing, sometimes frustrating, or downright terrifying - but those are all reasons why it was good, too... although maybe I didn't think so at the time. I'm looking forward to 2012, seeing what it will bring, what I'll bring into it. Working on 'smoothing out' the bumps of 2011, and seeing it all come together, and building on that.

Sixth Night Festival

2011-12-29T22:53:00.003-05:00

Tonight is the sixth night of the new lunar cycle, not the first night seeing that sliver of a crescent, but still newly forming. This is one of the nights in a month where I hold a special festival for Artemis.

I began the night by making the ritual cakes. Equal parts flour and ground almonds (it should be walnuts, but almond is what was on hand tonight) - 1/4 cup of each is enough for my purposes, six small ritual cakes. Next there's a bit of butter and honey, about a tablespoon of each. A pinch of salt, a few drops of good olive oil. Enough wine (well this month it's mead) to form a stiff dough, again usually about a tablespoon. It's probably obvious that this is not a strict recipe. Some months I include fruit, maybe fig. Or something locally growing that I've picked earlier in the day. Some months there may be some egg. The dough is shaped into little crescent cakes, baked until the bottoms are lightly browned. Tonight the drink was that same mead used in the cakes. Locally produced, it's flavored with black cherry, blueberry, and red currant. Very nice on a cold night.

Next I gathered the supplies - the cup and plate, the knife, some incense and a lighter, my choker that I wear when doing Her rituals. I walked to the place where I knew I'd be able to see the crescent as it sank lower to the horizon. If this were a summer month the sun would still have been up for the ritual, birds and bugs would have been singing... but it's winter, so it was dark, and very quiet. This is not like a full moon ritual, the crescent shines some light down, but even away from city lights it's still quite dark. It was cold out, 25F, but I didn't feel cold...

I sat on the ground and gave my eyes a few minutes to adjust a bit, gave my mind some time to adjust. There's no lengthy set up. No need to purify the space, no need to do anything to it. I simply lit the incense, and invited Artemis and the spirits to join me if they would. I used the knife to bless the meal, I ate and drank some, I shared more, and then I just sat and listened. When the time came, I thanked those who attended. I left more offerings at the edge of the woods. I brought my tools back to the house, but the night was not over yet. I didn't set out do so anything beyond the shared meal, but...

I went out into the back yard, I got down on the ground, laying next to the big maple I've held so many rituals under. The crescent can't be seen from here, there's no light, just stars. If you've never been away from city lights, and moon light, and really seen the stars... do it. You won't regret it. Even here they are not as bright as some more remote places, places I can only get once or twice a year. Still, they're bright, and crisp and clear. It's hard to explain the feeling... the feeling of seeing the branches of a big tree spread out over you, knowing that the roots spread out below you, the feeling of the hard ground on your back, with the sight of the stars spread out above... and the silence. There's a small stirring here and there, maybe a whisper or two, but mostly there's silence. It's just you and this vastness around you. Sometimes your mind is still, and sometimes it's not - and sometimes you don't want or need it to be. You just let your thoughts go, and you go, along the branches and roots of the tree, up and out and down and within and there's no words for it...

... and then you're snapped back to 'here' by the sound of your brother running up the drive way, coming back from across the street, slamming house doors. Ah, well. It happens.

(22) Nature Spirits

2011-12-28T21:54:00.001-05:00

The ancient Greeks had many names for the various types of nature spirits. Nymphs were female spirits of natural formations or specific locations - Dryads were one type of Nymph, the spirits of oak trees. The Meliae were the spirits of the ash trees. Naiads ruled over streams, books, and fountains. Oceans, flowers, clouds, meadows, groves, and mountains all also had their spirits or guardians. These spirits were given various names, and were thought of and treated in many different ways by different cultures.

Whatever you want to call Them, however you wish to divide Them, They are all around. In my experience many of them are neutral to humans, but some do seem to enjoy the company of humans, and others can be hostile. These spirits are not human, they have their own obligations, needs, and desires. They are not all the same, the spirits of the yard and those that live closer to humans can feel different than the spirits of the deep wilds - and even the spirits from one yard to another may not be the same in every way. You must take the time to get to know the spirits of each area around you, rather than assuming they will all act the same, and request the same things from you - or even want anything to do with you.

If one wishes to know and work with the spirits, it's best to begin with a cautious and respectful approach. See what traditional offerings were given in your area, that can be a good place to start. In the New Hampshire area that included tobacco, small stone or clay figures, beads, found feathers, and other such objects. Offerings of milk and honey, sweet grains, and wine are also commonly suggested - and while they are more European in nature, they seem to be welcomed here as well. Experiment. Leave the offerings, and spend some time out with the spirits. Take the time to listen, to really listen to these spirits that have been ignored for so long. Sometimes it can take weeks, or longer, to really begin to form a bond.

Offerings should be left whenever one takes something from the land. If you take, you give back. (Offerings aside, one should always make sure they have permission to take first.) When you leave offerings, be sure you don't leave anything that will be harmful to the local wildlife. Really think about what foods and material offerings you are leaving behind, and if they could cause harm to animals or the environment.

Winter Wednesday

2011-12-28T16:14:00.000-05:00

(Yeah, didn't think I'd be giving this up, did you?)

Setting Goals

2011-12-27T19:52:00.001-05:00

We're coming up on a popular time of year for setting goals... and also for forgetting goals. So lets talk a bit about creating and achieving goals.

When you start considering your goals, it's important to think about your reasons. Why do you want to accomplish X? Be honest with yourself here. Knowing why you want to do something can provide motivation, and help you filter goals a bit.

Be specific with your goals. Vague goals are difficult to follow through on, so get detailed on what you want to accomplish. Then, work out details on how you will accomplish your goals. Challenging yourself is good, but try to keep it realistic - don't set yourself up for failure. For example, say one wishes to form a closer relationship with a particular Deity. An hour long elaborate daily ritual may be okay for some, but others just might not have the time because of other obligations. A shorter daily ritual, with perhaps a longer ritual once a week (or month) may be more fitting. Know your limitations.

Create an outline for accomplishing your goal, and include points where you can check in and note your progress. Don't be afraid to tweak goals along the way. After working on a goal for a while you'll have a better understanding of what's working and what isn't. You may find that a particular goal is impractical, or perhaps not challenging enough, and needs to be modified a bit.

It's often helpful to write down your goals, and your outlines for achieving them, and keep them in sight. The saying "out of sight, out of mind" can be very true. Even things we really want to do can be pushed out of our minds in the day to day grind, keeping your goals in sight can help to prevent that.

Don't fear failure. If you do not achieve a goal, take the opportunity to understand what went wrong, and learn from your mistake. Take that knowledge and apply it to form a modified goal, or for use in creating new goals.

Above all else, while the new year may be a nice time for a fresh start - every day, every moment, is a new beginning.

(21) The Hedge

2011-12-26T21:52:00.000-05:00

The word hedgewitch can conjure up many images in those unfamiliar with the path. Some hear the term and think of green witches, and while we may have a good bit in common, the two terms are not truly interchangeable. To hedgewitches, the hedge is a powerful symbol, and while it can mean somewhat different things to different individuals, there's one theme that's common to most... the hedge as a boundary.

The boundary symbolism plays a dual role. The first is perhaps the more obvious - a hedge is literally a boundary, usually formed of shrubs or small trees, but sometimes of stone. A hedge separates the yard (or the village) and what lies beyond. The domestic and the wild. What is 'ours' and what is not. The second boundary is along similar lines, the boundary between the seen and unseen worlds. Some Wiccans and other pagans call this boundary the veil.

A hedgewitch works with both levels of symbolism. They cross the hedge into the wilds of the seen world, knowing the land and working with it. They cross the hedge into the unseen world to seek knowledge and learn from, and work with the spirits there. However, it's not just about crossing the boundary, going between here and there, but also working and living along it, finding a personal balance. Never only on one side or the other, but with a foot in both. Just as it is a mistake to view the wild lands as totally separate from a domesticated area (they are both part of the same Earth, after all), it is a mistake to view the seen as totally separate from the unseen. What is done in one will affect the other. The seen and unseen are parts of the whole, and must be balanced as such - a balance which is unique to each individual.

Beyond being a boundary, the hedge can be a habitat and shelter for wildlife, a place to forage plants and herbs, a place where one can work with the spirits and energies of the boundary. Plant hedges are also not the only hedges, as I mentioned earlier sometimes they are made from stone (rock walls are a common sight in New England), sometimes they are natural, sometimes they are built by humans. There are many different types of hedges, and it can be interesting to consider the subtle differences in symbolism between each.

Pascal's Wager

2011-12-26T11:39:00.000-05:00

This might seem like a strange post coming after yesterday, but as I said I don't see any issue with bringing up the issues with a particular teaching or idea.

Yesterday I walked in on a conversation my grandfather and his brother were having. I'm not sure how it started, but within the first few words I knew where my grandfather was going, and why it was wrong. He was bringing up Pascal's Wager.

Pascal's Wager basically says that either God exists, or God does not exist. So it is better to live life as if God exists, since if it turns out there is no God you lose nothing - where an atheist, if they were wrong and there is a God, would lose everything.

Now, anyone who understands that there's more than one religion can see the most obvious flaw here - Pascal's Wager puts forth only two options, but there there are numerous Gods and religions one could choose from. How do you know you'll get the right one? It also assumes that if a God exists, they will punish atheists for not having faith, which is not a teaching of all religions.

If we narrow it down to the options where non-believers will be punished (since if there is a God who doesn't care, taking such a view would mean you still "lose nothing"), we're still left with several options. There's no guarantee that you will choose the right one. A Christian who lived their life believing in God should be "safe" according to Pascal - but if that Christian dies, and it turns out maybe Islam was true? Well, things aren't looking so good for them, after all. (I find that when using that particular example, even in reverse, many are more likely to want to jump on the bash Islam wagon, rather than sticking to the issue. Don't be derailed!)

Now this particular criticism was addressed by Pascal, well, somewhat. Pascal basically calls this argument a "trap" that he won't fall into. That anyone actually interested in knowing the truth would study, and come to his same conclusion that all "pagan" religions (that is, all religions aside from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) come down to superstition and ignorance, and aren't actually worth looking at in any detail. He basically comes to the same conclusion about Islam. Yet, the only reason anyone "rejects" Christianity is because they haven't looked at it in detail. Pretty easy to see why this is a flawed, and indeed hypocritical argument.

This is not the only flaw with the wager, though. It also assumes that an all knowing God isn't going to care that you were essentially going through the motions just to be rewarded, as it's quite hard to force true faith. Of course, many Christians don't actually seem to understand why this is an issue. (Matthew 7:21, anyone? Some scholars see this verse as applying to false faith, among other actions.) Others say faking faith leads to real faith, and that if it doesn't you just "weren't trying hard enough." It's quite hard to explain to such people why that is a flawed view. Of course, this eventually gets more into the issues with a God who would create an eternal hell, worshiping to avoid Hell, and so on. Perhaps that would be better left to another post, for another day, though.

Christanity

2011-12-25T23:50:00.001-05:00

First of all, a merry Christmas to those celebrating today, however you may be celebrating.

There's an unfortunate trend within paganism to view Christianity as a whole as the source of every evil ever done or thought. Even going as far as to make up lies such as saying there were no evil spirits in any religion before Christianity, which is just not true. Or thinking that Christianity could never actually be spiritually fulfilling for any person, that every Christian is just some blind follower with shallow faith. Many of these pagans are the same ones who'll cry out for tolerance and acceptance of paganism. The same ones who'll get mad when Christians spread stereotypes or lies about paganism. The same ones that will brag about how open minded and accepting they are. The same ones who'll happily call all Christians hypocrites...

Look, I'll be the first to admit that Christians have done some horrible things "in the name of religion." (Which, if you actually study the history? Many of these things were only done using religion as an excuse or cover, rather than a true religious motivation.) I'll also be the first to admit that there are things which Christianity teaches that I just can not agree with. Of course, Christianity is not alone in either camp. However, discussions and debate about particular acts or teachings is not the issue. The issue comes with making downright hateful statements about all Christians, or ignorant sweeping statements about Christianity as a whole. Does this sort of thing do anyone any good?

I fully understand that some people may be carrying around some serious baggage from their pasts. It can be hard to work through, but it needs to be recognized and done at some point for one to really be able to move on. It's hard to really grown and come into your own when you're lugging so much weight around.

Not every Christian is a loud bigot. Not every Christian is a brainless sheep. Some Christians do find spiritual truth and meaning in their religion - and is that really so shocking? We're all different, we all find meaning in different paths. And if we bother to look, even if there are many things we may disagree with, we can probably find something we might find meaning in as well.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Yule

2011-12-24T20:19:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful solstice (winter or summer!). I had a simple ceremony on the night of the solstice, welcoming the new year, and welcoming prosperity and good fortune into my home. I left an electric candle "burning" all through the night (a nice option when you're not able to stay up for a night long vigil), and got up early to see the sun rise.

Yesterday the days started to get a bit longer again, and today, a little longer... by seconds. Four seconds, eight more seconds, tomorrow will see an additional 13 seconds. It's not much, but it adds up. The sun is slowly making it's return, we know the light is growing - but we still have to go through winter. There are months of cold and snow coming, but we have the promise of spring and summer, too. Of course, the promise of summer also brings the promise of winter again, always a cycle.

Tonight is Christmas Eve, the night before a big celebration. Which means tonight I'll be up late again. I've done a lot of baking - mincemeat pie, pumpkin pie, gingerbread, cookies - but there's still more to be done. Lots for the family, and always some for the ancestors and spirits... and maybe a little something for Santa, too.

Fall Friday

2011-12-16T23:58:00.000-05:00

This is the last Friday in Autumn, and so this is my final fall picture until next year. (Although I wouldn't expect this blog to be free from seasonal pictures between now and then, heh...)

Bad History

2011-12-14T22:32:00.003-05:00

Bad history is a big problem in the pagan community (which is not to say it's limited to the pagan community, unfortunately it's not). It's everywhere, and sometimes it can be really hard to get down to the historical facts of particular topics - even for avid history lovers.

Why does it even matter? Why should we care about historical facts? Simple - these are our roots! Through studying history we can see where many aspects of our lives originated - the meanings behind many beliefs and traditions. We can see how cultures, religions, even the languages we speak evolved over time. When we see this, it's clear how our history is our foundation - how we continue to build on the past... and how the future will build on what we do today. History links us to our ancestors, and it will link our descendants back to us.

I sometimes see pagans saying they don't care how X deity was worshiped in the past, or similar statements. Look, I'd never tell someone they have to do everything exactly the way it was done in the past, but ignoring hundreds or thousands of years of knowledge? Why in the world would you shoot yourself in the foot like that? Even non-reconstructionists can benefit from the knowledge these people worked for. Obviously those ancient devotees had a different cultural filter, not everything they did or believed will benefit every person today, but how can you know unless you look?

New religions, new traditions, new beliefs and ideas are not bad. Something does not have to be old to be valid, to have worth - yet sometimes false histories are attached to new ideas for exactly that reason. This isn't necessary. If an idea is good, if it works/if it benefits people, it should be able to stand on its own. Saying something is not historical does not mean it has no value.

These are just a few of the reasons that good history matters. Heck, if for no other reason, doing a little fact checking can prevent you from looking ignorant. That's always nice, right? Of course, as I said, bad history is everywhere. Sometimes it can be hard to miss, and you pick up a few bad facts along the way. It happens to most people at some point - I know I've fallen into a few bad history traps. Or, sometimes we think a source is trustworthy - that they've done their research, when that may not always be the case. Bad history can be hard to avoid, but there are some history myths out there that are so easy to disprove, yet still get passed around as fact. I know historical research doesn't always seem fun or spiritual, but sometimes it needs to be done... and frankly, we absolutely can benefit from the wisdom of our ancestors, if we bother to listen.

Still Alive

2011-12-13T16:26:00.008-05:00

Yep, it's true, I'm still alive. Didn't mean to take such a long break, but in addition to getting over a cold, it was just a busy week in general. Still, I'm back and ready to start updating regularly again. Have some book reviews, some bad history rants, recipes, and hopefully back to chipping away at that 44 days meme!

Just a quick update.

2011-12-04T02:33:00.000-05:00

I caught a cold from my Grandmother at Thanksgiving. It's nothing serious, sore throat and cough, but it does keep me up a bit at night and make me tired. So, essentially this is an update to say I probably won't be updating as much for a bit. Trying to get some extra rest, since that's what my body is asking for. (So why am I up at 2:24 in the morning? Gotta love a bad sleep schedule.)

I started a post about ogham a few days ago. Originally I thought it would best be done in a few parts, but now I'm leaning to getting it all done in one article - maybe two. It's taking me a bit longer than expected, not taking the cold into account, but it's coming along. I'll be sure to note when it's done for anyone who was interested, since I'll just be editing that original post.

Aside from that, I experimented with writing every day last month. An interesting exercise, but I think I'll be cutting back a bit this month. I still want to write often, just not that often. I do hope to write enough to be able to finish that 44 day prompt this month though...

Fall Friday

2011-12-02T23:37:00.000-05:00

It may be December, but there are still more a few Fall Fridays to be had...

Autumn Cornbread

2011-11-30T23:53:00.005-05:00

I thought I'd squeeze in one more recipe with some classic fall flavors, before December and it's winter treats officially arrive!

1 1/2 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/3 cups cornmeal
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
4 tbsp butter
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup honey
3/4 cup cooked pumpkin puree
2/3 cup milk (might need a little extra)
1 cup apple, peeled cored and finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cornmeal, and spices, mix well. In a separate bowl combine butter, eggs, honey, pumpkin, apple, and milk and beat until thoroughly mixed. Add in the dry ingredients, mixing until just moistened. Don't over mix the batter. If your batter is too thick, mix in just a tbsp or two more milk. (Depends on the water content of your cooked pumpkin puree.) Gently fold in the nuts and cranberries. Pour into a square baking dish, and bake at 350F for around 40 minutes. Serve warm, great with butter and a bit more honey.

The cornbread can be made without nuts, without the cranberries (or with 1/4 cup extra cranberries if not using nuts), or without both depending on your tastes.

Beautiful Picture of Artemis

2011-11-29T23:34:00.000-05:00

Often when I see modern art done of Artemis, I don't usually see Her personality reflected in it. However, I came across this amazing picture while browsing around Google the other day. She actually has a ton of great work, very much worth a look! (Just to note, there is some artistic nudity in her gallery.)

Ogham - Part One

2011-11-28T23:25:00.002-05:00

Ogham is an alphabet that was primarily used to write Old Irish, around the 4th century AD, to the 10th century. Sometimes it is referred to as the Beth-Luis-Nion, either meaning the Beth-Luis letters, or a shortening of the first grouping of letters. In myth the invention of the script is usually attributed to Ogma, a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

Originally the alphabet was made up of twenty letters, or feda (trees), grouped in four family groups, or acimi (the plural for aicme, or family). Later five additional letters were added, the forfeda. Each letter has a meaning, most commonly each is associated with a tree. However, it seems the original associations were not so cut and dry. Some sources say only 7 of the letters can faithfully be associated with plants - other sources give a few more, but not all. The other letters are given meanings such as earth, gold, field, sulfur, and fear. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in Ogham to look at the historical information (from good, historical sources), and consider the other meanings for each.

The letters are often used for divination. There is, as far as I know, only one historical reference to the letters being used this way. It's quite vague, so one wishing to use the Ogham for divination must form their own system. How many letters will be set down, if a spread will be used (like a card spread), or if they will be thrown down on a cloth, etc. Additionally, the letters can be used in meditation and spellwork, like other symbols.

Critical Thinking

2011-11-27T15:52:00.003-05:00

Too many people are willing to set aside critical thinking for convenience. While the issue isn't just limited to the pagan community, that's what I'd like to touch on just a bit today.

Lately I've been seeing a shocking number people willing to accept information, without considering the source of the information. They see something that fits in with their preconceived ideas, and leave it at that. This is a bad place to stop, it's important to consider the source of the information - how reliable is this author, when was this written, was it written for a specific audience?

Let's look at each of those. As the saying goes, even a stopped clock is right twice a day, so even the worst sources will be right on occasion. Still, if a source has a record of being wrong quite often, it might be best to question the information they give. Use multiple sources, use good sources. Likewise, we shouldn't be afraid to check on an author's credentials. Do they relate to the topic they're writing about? Are they consistent with their credentials?

It's important to consider when something was written, as sometimes new information has become available in the time since the writing. Let's look at the Egyptologist E.A. Wallis Budge as an example. He did a number of translations and wrote a number of books until he died in the year 1934, and many of his books are available for free online. Since his time, we've made huge leaps and bounds in translation and method, so there are much better sources now. Still, some people fall back on these older, less reliable sources. They put this incorrect information out there for others. Bad history is a big problem through the pagan community, but it really doesn't have to be if we just took a little care in examining our sources.

We also need to consider the audience the work was originally intended for. This usually won't be an issue, but can be with older works. Sometimes a work claims to be intended for a specific group, but was really targeted at a large audience. Sometimes a work claims to speak for pagans as a whole, but really focuses on one tradition. This sort of thing might not always be obvious, but will usually pop up when looking into the author.

Don't accept something just because it was written in a book, on a website, or anywhere else. Don't be afraid to question. Use multiple sources. Weigh out conflicting information, don't just accept what you came across first. Of course all this is but one aspect of critical thinking, but perhaps it would be best to save some of that for another day, rather than writing one giant post...

(20) Photo day: a sacred space in nature.

2011-11-26T21:40:00.004-05:00

I didn't forget about the 44 day challenge (maybe I should have gone with 44 weeks...), but I wanted to take pictures of some specific places for this post that I can only visit once in a while. These spots are in the woods near my grandparents' home, places I have been visiting for many years now.

First, let me clear up something about the title of the post. I'm one of those 'everywhere is sacred' kind of people. Still, there are places that are special to me, that carry more meaning to me, places I find myself drawn to for ritual time and time again. These are some of those places, since I couldn't pick just one.

This is one the the first spots I fell in love with, before I was even a pagan. My Grandfather took me to this rock when I was still a very young child. It was quite impressive then - not that it still isn't, but there was a time when this rock was taller than me. Now the highest point comes to just below my shoulder. There was once a giant pine growing right up against it, which has since been cut away. Twice in my life there's been a bit of cutting done in these woods. Nothing major, but the last round left enough changes that I was a bit disoriented the next few times I went up there.

This is a small stream that runs through the woods. Before the last bit of cutting, there was a small bridge running across part of it, along the "main road." It was nothing fancy, just a few old logs someone had put across it, but it worked. That's gone now, so to cross one has to jump across one of the shallow areas. This isn't hard, as I said, it's a small stream... perhaps four feet or so at the widest point, and a foot at its thinnest.

The places where the water runs quick are good for small purifications before rituals. There are also many lovely spots to stop and sit on a rock or fallen tree, and just listen to the water run.

Just another spot along the stream that I enjoy.

Just up and over the stream a bit is a spot that's hard to photograph. One tall, lone evergreen standing up on a small hill that overlooks the stream. The lower branches are still high enough to stand under, and in the little clearing under the branches is a small offering stone. The tall tree on the hill, near a stream, always feels like such a potent spot for Otherworld work.

A final shot, the road that runs through the woods. Been there as long as I can remember, although it was once a bit more overgrown. More tall trees ran along it. They were cut down, and the road made "fresh" again a few years back. In those few years, there has been a ton of new growth. Nature will always reclaim, if given the chance.

Fall Friday

2011-11-25T16:15:00.002-05:00

The late autumn days are warm enough to melt some of the ice that forms during the cold nights. Blue skies and bare branches are reflected, broken up by brown dead leaves that were beautiful fiery shades not that long ago...

Weaving the Wheel Together

2011-11-24T22:53:00.001-05:00

It's interesting how secular holidays can fit into the Wheel of the Year. There are some big ones in my family... some are probably more obvious, Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. (I know the first two aren't necessarily secular holidays, but that's how they're celebrated in my family.) Beyond that we also celebrate Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Dar, and New Year's Day.

Thanksgiving is a goodbye to fall, with a feast of autumn foods, and a welcoming of the winter season. True, winter won't really be here until near the end of next month, but shortly after Thanksgiving decorations will start going up, the Christmas dinner will be thought of (in my family, this starts after Thanksgiving dinner is done, but we're all sitting around the table), other winter treats and gifts start coming into focus. This is the holiday that kicks it all off.

Christmas and New Year's Day both meld in pretty much seamlessly with my celebrating the 12 days of Yule. Christmas and Yule, for us, share much of the same symbolism. It's the only holiday that really blends so well, that we share in this way. As for New Year's, Yule is when I celebrate the New Year, so to have a big celebration of the calendar New Year near the end of the 12 days of Yule is quite nice. The biggest, warmest celebrations in one of the coldest months.

Easter is a nice spring celebration somewhere between Ostara and Beltaine. Again, there is an overlap in some symbolism, especially with Ostara. Since Ostara here is still quite cold, and doesn't yet feel much like spring, it can be nice to hold off on some spring type things until Easter (depending on when it falls that year).

Then come the final three, the summer holidays, Memorial Day, the 4th, and Labor Day. Memorial Day is often seen as the kick off of the summer season. This is true for us, we will have the first cook out of the season, but it is also a time for us to visit the graves of family members. It's a bit odd to be having what is essentially an ancestor festival at this time of the year, seems like more of an autumn activity. Still, it's a reminder of the balance and cycle we all flow through. Death in life, life in death. Never one without the other. The 4th comes when summer is fully here, the true beginning of many summer activities. Then, Labor Day, when we begin to settle back into out fall routines.

When speaking of the Wheel, the big 8 are what we think of, and for good reason. Still, as important as the 8 spokes on the wheel are, the days in between can be just as important. Not just other holidays, but taking time to note the seasons and celebrate a bit from day to day. Seeing how it all fits in together, always rolling on to the next, always new - but always repeating.

The night before...

2011-11-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

Two pies done (pumpkin and blueberry), one in the oven (apple), one cranberry sauce done, one to make - still much to be done before bed. I always find myself cooking late into the night before a holiday. I have the kitchen all to myself, the house is quiet. I do enjoy cooking, but it's always hard work to do so much at once... but I always love these quiet moments between making this or that. A quiet time to myself before the busy day filled with family.

Nature Knows

2011-11-22T23:48:00.002-05:00

This morning I was on the phone with my Grandmother, discussing my plans to head to her house tomorrow afternoon for the Thanksgiving 'weekend.' She said I might want to come this afternoon instead, because she'd seen more birds than usual in the backyard eating the food my Grandfather puts out there - they were getting ready for a bit of bad weather. "Nature knows," she said.

I told her I'd check the weather, and sure enough, there's a bit of a storm rolling in tonight, lasting through tomorrow afternoon. Nothing that would really change driving plans (especially as I had a bunch of other things I needed to do today), but bad enough.

This is not the first bit of nature-based advice or folklore she's shared with me. Always little signs to tell the weather, sometimes more spiritual bits... It's not 100% accurate, but neither are the weather forecasters on TV.

It's not really that surprising. Mama's been staring out that same kitchen window for some 20 years, and she's been around a lot longer than that - anyone would be able to pick up on the patters and signs of nature in that amount of time, if they paid just a little attention. Nature has a lot to tell us. Sometimes it's just something simple, sometimes we uncover something deeper... we just have to watch, and listen.

Indian Pudding

2011-11-21T22:15:00.002-05:00

Indian Pudding is a sweet corn meal pudding that is baked at a low temperature for hours. It is a traditional dessert in New England.

2 cups milk
2 cups cream
1/2 cup corn meal
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup OR dark molasses
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 pinch ground clove
1/8 tsp baking soda
2 eggs, beaten
Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries.

Heat the milk and cream until almost boiling, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Slowly add in the corn meal, and bring to a boil while stirring briskly.Lower heat, and simmer, while stirring, until thickened. Remove from heat.

Add in all the other ingredients, except the eggs. Stir well.

Temper the eggs by whisking in a very small amount of the hot corn meal mixture, then a little more, and a little more until the eggs are hot - then mix the eggs into the corn meal mixture, stirring very well.

Pour into a buttered baking dish. Bake at 325F for around two hours. Allow to set for 30 minutes before serving. Indian pudding can be topped with sweet cream or whipped cream, maple syrup, or ice cream.

Why Westya?

2011-11-20T23:22:00.003-05:00

It's a question I've seen pop up a few times over the last week or so. Only once did someone ask me directly, but it's a question I've seen implied to others - or in general - why worship a very obscure Deity, a Deity with very little surviving information?

It's a good question. There are many Gods and Goddesses from ancient times that we have plenty of surviving information about... titles, attributes, prayers, rituals, special days, symbols and more. Artemis could be counted among these Deities, entire books have been written about Her from surviving information. So why worship a Deity who we know significantly less about? A Goddess, in this case, without surviving myths, prayers, or even a surviving name.

I'll be the first to admit, it can be quite frustrating at times. I have worshiped little known Deities in the past, the Egyptian Shu for example, but this is my first time working with so very little. So why do I do it?

In short, I did try to connect with the more well known hearth Deities in the past, but it never seemed quite right. However, there was something about Westya that called to me. That alone made it worth perusing for me. That hard to describe something still remains, so, I continue with the relationship. I also think that just because there is little surviving information, that does not mean these Deities should be set aside and further forgotten, that these Deities are worthless.

First, let me be clear, I'm not attempting to reconstruct Proto-Indo-European (PIE) religion by any means. My reconstruction days are long behind me. Still, I do make use of what scholarly materials I can, I believe this is an important source even for non-reconstructionists. In this case, a lot of that material comes not directly from the PIEs, but by finding the common elements in the descendant groups. Due to this, I do find myself branching out to study the hearth Deities of the descendant groups. While it's not direct information, it's at least something to go from.

Obviously I also deal with a lot of unverified personal gnosis (UPG). Some frown on this, but I see nothing wrong with it so long as it's never presented as anything else. Too often I see UPG being presented as historical fact, or some sort of universal truth that everyone should agree with.

This is the first time I've ever really had to do that. To really just be forced to jump right in. Usually there is a ton of studying history before such actions, perhaps too much at times. Some would say it's easier to skip that and rely on UPG, that it's the lazy way... so let me be clear, this is not the way I prefer. It has been hard for me, it is very different than what I've become accustomed to - but necessary for those very reasons.

I do this because it has been beneficial to me, it has helped me grow, learn, and pushed me into areas I've never been in before. It has given me new experiences, and revealed skills I I didn't fully realize that I had. These Deities still have lessons to teach, these Deities are still worthy of our respect and adoration. I am thankful to Westya for what She has given me, and it is a relationship I will continue to strengthen... even if it's not always the easiest way for me.

Ritual Garb

2011-11-19T23:36:00.001-05:00

There was a time, when I was an Egyptian reconstructionist, that I had very specific ritual clothing. In particular, it was a white pleated skirt, a white tank top, and a white shawl for when it was cooler in the house. White was the required color for the tradition. After leaving reconstruction, I slowly moved away from having any special garb for ritual. I wore what I was wearing, and never thought much of it.

I never got back into any full ritual wear, but I have started including little odds and ends into my ritual wear. Just enough to help get my brain into "okay, it's time" without being (for me) unpractical.

The first is a simple leather choker. This is for Artemis. The second is a dark grey-blue shawl. It is for Westya. (Sometime this item acts as an altar cloth of sorts, depending on the need. This keeps with my feeling of Westya as foundation, though.) The third is a leather belt, which is mostly for practical reasons. A place to put my knife, a place to hang pouches with things I need to have at hand.

Sometimes I wear all these things at once, sometimes just one or two of them. They're really simple objects, but they help me transform from regular clothes, to something a little more special.

Fall Friday

2011-11-18T23:16:00.002-05:00

Edible Offering Bowls

2011-11-17T23:38:00.001-05:00

While outdoor food offerings can certainly be left on the ground, tucked into the roots of a tree, or left on an offering stone, sometimes it's nice to do something a little different. It's easy to craft little bowls to leave offerings in, bowls that you don't need to worry about finding again to pick up.

Simply take an apple, cut it in half (on the horizontal, so the two halves will sit up), and scoop out the core - being careful to leave a bit on the bottom. There's your bowl! Fill with your offering, and place outside. These are best for offerings you're going to leave close to home, but if you're going farther you could bring the whole apple and cut it at the site.

Other things you could use include miniature pumpkins (or even pumpkins that are a little larger, for bigger offerings), and gourds which are readily available around this time of year. Turnips also work well, but they can be a bit harder to carve. These little bowls become part of the offering.

Do be careful what you choose to make your bowl from, and what you leave as an offering in it. It's very likely that the local wildlife will be finding these little offerings. You don't want to leave out anything that will be harmful to them.

Sweet Potato and Apple Bake

2011-11-16T23:18:00.000-05:00

6 medium sweet potatoes
3 large apples
3 tbsp butter
brown sugar
maple syrup
nutmeg
salt

Preheat your oven to 350F. As the oven is preheating, wash the sweet potatoes well and pierce each with a fork several times. Bake on a cookie sheet for about an hour, or until easily pierced with a fork. Set them aside to cool for a bit while preparing the apples.

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Then peel the sweet potatoes, and cut them into 1/2" rounds. Grease a casserole dish and layer in half the sweet potatoes, half the apples, then the rest of the sweet potatoes, and finally the rest of the apples. Dice the butter into small cubes, and put them around the top layer of the apples.

Drizzle maple syrup over the top of the apples, as much or as little as you like. Sprinkle that with a bit of brown sugar, you probably won't need more than two or three tablespoons, but again as much as you like. Finally a pinch of salt and a pinch of nutmeg over the top.

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes (again at 350F). Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes. Let it cool just a bit, 5 or 10 minutes, then serve.

The Lunar Cycles, Part Two

2011-11-15T23:44:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I wrote about a few of the ways to mark the moon cycles through the year - the different ways to name the moons, and a bit on the many different names any one moon cycle can have. Today I'll write about one possible example of a year of moon cycles, what they represent, and how they flow together. I want to stress that this is not the only system out there, just one example of many. It is my own personal system, based on the months, rather than the equinoxes/solstices (as written about yesterday), and it does not follow and one existing naming system. Rather it is a mix of systems, which I felt best meshed with my own personal practice, what I noticed and enjoyed locally.

December brings the Long Nights Moon, so named because the nights of this cycle are some of the longest of the year. With January comes the Snow Moon, as this is the time when the snow really starts to pile up. In February there is the Wolf Moon, named for the hungry wolves that could be heard howling in the deepest month of winter.

March is the Sugar Moon, as this is the cycle when it's time for tapping the sugar maples to make maple syrup and maple sugar. In April we see the Flower Moon, as spring is starting to bloom. May brings the Milk Moon, named for the festival of Beltaine, in which milks plays an important role.

Wild strawberries are usually starting to be ready for picking in June, and so this is the Strawberry Moon. July brings the Thunder Moon along with it's summer thunder storms. The Grain Moon comes in August, with it's early grain harvests.

In September the harvest is in full swing, and so the Harvest Moon, which brings a little extra light for farmers bringing in their crop before the winter comes. Many of the leaves have fallen from the branches in October, allowing game to be seen a little easier by hunters - this is also the time when the animal herds would be culled, both acts ensuring enough meat for the winter months, this is the time of the Blood Moon. Finally, the Frost Moon comes in November, as we start to see the first frosty signs of the approaching winter.

Again, this is but one way to names the moons. It honors what is going on around me locally, parts focusing on older times, parts still easily seen in nature in these days - a mix of old and new. I strongly encourage anyone who wishes to incorporate a named lunar system into their path to explore many different names, play with the month and seasonal system, see what's going on locally... really take your time, and make it your own.

(19) The Wheel of the Year : The Lunar Cycles

2011-11-14T23:26:00.004-05:00

When talking about the Wheel of the Year the focus is usually on the solar cycle, but the moon cycles of the year also can have names, and celebrate specific seasonal events as well.

There are a few different ways to name the moon cycles. First is by the month, which is the way more people are probably familiar with. With this method, whatever month the full moon is in determines the name of the cycle (which starts at the new moon).

To give an example, say the name of April's moon is the Pink Moon. There is one full moon in April, and it lands on the 28th. That would mean the cycle that began with the new moon on April 14th is the Pink Moon cycle - even though it would end in May. Simple enough, right? So what happens when there are two full moons in a month? The second cycle would be Blue Moon. (This practice actually stems from a misunderstanding, read on for the original meaning!)

Some people prefer to modify this just a bit, and begin the cycle with where the new moon is in the month. This wouldn't change the example above, but you would find a difference if April's full moon was on the 5th. Using the full moon cycle this would still be the Pink Moon, but using the new moon cycle it would take on March's name instead.

Another method uses the seasons. First you identify when the solstices and equinoxes are, then when the moons fall around them. Each season will generally have three full moons. Looking at the summer solstice, say it lands on June 21st, and there is a full moon three days later - that is the first of the three summer moons. If the first full moon isn't until July 2nd, it is still given the name of the first summer moon, regardless of the month it ends up in. Sometimes, though, a season will have four full moons. The third moon of a cycle of four will be the Blue Moon - this is the original definition of a Blue Moon.

So where did the monthly definition come from? Interestingly, it came from a mistake made in an issue in Sky & Telescope magazine printed in 1946. The writer of the article misunderstood his source, the Maine Farmer's Almanac. (This particular Almanac also used fixed dates for the solstices and equinoxes.) Still, there's no doubt that the monthly definition is more commonly known these days. Both systems have their pros and cons, and it's worth it to explore both.

So, we've talked a bit about the Blue Moon, but what about the other moon names? Let me be very clear - there are many different names for each moon cycle, coming from many different locations. The moon names usually reflect something going on during that time of year, which of course would change from location to location. As an example, the April moon mentioned earlier? Pink Moon is just one name, it can also be the Seed Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, or the Fish Moon, among others. Due to this, you'll sometimes see slight differences in which month is which name. Seed moon can be April's Moon, but it can also be March's. There are many different calenders which can be explored, and it can be helpful to find or make one that fits your local cycles.

Orange Cranberry Sauce

2011-11-13T23:27:00.000-05:00

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup orange juice
2 tsp finely grated orange zest
12 oz cranberries
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Begin by washing and sorting through the cranberries, removing any bad berries.

Heat the sugars and orange juice in a saucepan until simmering, making sure they're well mixed. Add in the cranberries and zest, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until the cranberries begin to pop. Remove from heat, and mix in the nutmeg.

Don't over cook the sauce, as that will make it too bitter. You can mash the sauce a bit with a potato masher when it comes off the heat, or leave it as it is - totally depends on what texture you like. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken up as it cools. It can be served as soon as it comes down to room temperature and thickens a bit, or after cooling it can be stored in the refrigerator to chill it before serving.

(Day 18) The Ancestors

2011-11-12T23:15:00.000-05:00

Honoring and working with the ancestors is an important part of my path. Many spirits are helpful and worth cultivating relationships with, but our ancestors have the unique perspective of having once lived human lives.

Beginning a relationship with the ancestors isn't very difficult. Creating a small ancestor shrine is a good first step. It can include a bowl and plate for small offerings, general representations of your heritage, and pictures or items that belonged to specific family members who have passed on. Our ancestors include not only direct blood relatives, but can also include the blood of those families we have married or been adopted into, one way or another. In addition, our ancestors can also include important figures from the cultures and countries we live in.

Offerings to the ancestors can vary from tradition to tradition. In ancient Egypt, common offerings included bread and beer, and cool water. Apples are another food usually given to the dead. A little bit from a family meal is also welcome. Offerings should be left on the shrine for at least a half hour, but can be left longer if you like - so long as they don't begin to spoil. What to do with the offerings after again varies with tradition, but commonly they will be put outside (sometimes buried in a very small and shallow hole). If you wish to make an offering to a specific ancestor, and you know what they enjoyed in life, that should be given.

Often I'm asked how communing with ancestors works if I also believe in reincarnation. I do believe that humans can reincarnate after death, but I don't believe that is happens immediately, nor do I view it as a requirement. Some will choose it quickly, others after a long while, some may never reincarnate. So, given that, it's likely that there are some in the unseen world at any point in time. When speaking of specific people, it is possible they have moved on, or perhaps just don't want to answer. There is also another theory... That a bit of our soul is always in the unseen world, and so even if someone had reincarnated, that bit of them can still give aid - and yes, that it is even possible for us to aid yourself in such a way.

Any way you wish to view it, it can still be helpful for us to make offerings in memory of our ancestors, and to honor those who were before us - after all, without them we wouldn't be here.

Fall Friday

2011-11-11T23:04:00.001-05:00

This one is actually from last year, and a bit earlier in the season, but I wanted to share it today anyway.

How to String a Mala

2011-11-10T23:10:00.003-05:00

A mala (or japa mala) is a set of prayer beads used in Buddhism and Hinduism to count mantras, or chants. They usually consist of 108 beads, or a divisor of 108. (27 is a common one, where 27 x 4 = 108.) Occasionally other numbers are used, as well.

Stringing a mala can be difficult, as they usually contain what is often called a guru bead - a bead with three holes. However, with the right materials, and a little practice, it's not so hard.

Malas can be made from many materials - sandalwood, or other wooden beads, lotus seed beads, glass, or gemstone beads.

You'll need...
Thin metal wire, I used 28 gauge.
Appropriate cord - for small bracelet styles, you'll want to use an elastic cord. For larger projects this won't be necessary.
Scissors.
A small pair of jewelry pliers.
1 guru bead and topper
However many beads you wish to include on your mala

Begin by cutting about 4" of wire. Fold the wire in half, and at the fold form a small hook.

Push the hook gently through one of the side holes, with the hook facing up. The hook should poke up a bit through the top hole, and can be pulled out with the pliers. This step may take a few tries, and may require some experimenting with what angle and how large to make the hook.

Separate the metal at the hook just a bit to form a slim hoop. Slip a length of cord through the hoop, and tighten the hook back up.

Pull the hook and cord back through the bead. The next step is fairly simple, all you need to do is string the rest of your beads on the cord coming out from the side of the guru bead.

Next we get the metal hook back out. Push the hook down through the top hole and out the other side.

Again form a small loop at the hook, and set the cord through it. Pull the cord through the top hole.

Now you can string the final bead. If the hole is small, you may want to use the metal wire again. Slip the bent end through the top of the bead, put both ends of the cord through the loop, and pull it back through the bead.

That's it! Now you just need to tie it off with a secure knot, and cut the extra cord off. Don't cut too close to the knot - leave at least a half inch of cord coming out to give the knot some wiggle room.

Instead of cutting the cord, you can add some charms or small beads on each bit of cord, as in the first picture.

Walking

2011-11-09T23:02:00.007-05:00

You know, sometimes I think the Gods enjoy picking on me. Yesterday on my walk I did not bring my camera. I bring it every day, but the one day I forget it?

Three deer up by the edge of the woods away from the main road. I'm so close to them. Two does laying down, and a third standing there. They're all watching me, but they don't seem to care much about me. I've seen these three before, I believe, while walking my dog at night.

I stood there watching them for a good while. I've seen plenty of deer over the years, but I never lose that feeling of awe when I see them. I wish I could have gotten a picture, but... well, guess I won't be forgetting my camera for a while.

Relaxing Herbal Baths

2011-11-08T23:36:00.001-05:00

The holiday season is fast approaching, and it can be a stressful time for many people. Finding a little time for a nice warm bath can do wonders for stress, and adding a sachet of soothing herbs to the water can make a bath all the more relaxing.

First you'll need something to put the herbs in. A small muslin or cheesecloth bag will work. A bit of cotton cloth can also be sewn into a pouch. (Ripped a pair of nylons? A small square of leg, tied well at each end, also does the trick.) Anything you can put the herbs in so they can steep in the bath water, but be easily removed.

Combine...
3 parts dried chamomile
3 parts lavender
2 parts dried rose petals
1 part dried mint

Don't be afraid to adjust to your tastes! After mixing the herbs, simply put them into your bag, and toss into the tub with you.

Essential oils can also be used if you don't have the dried herbs on hand. Use one drop per part, and mix in an ounce of carrier oil. When the bath is done running, mix the oil into the water. Alternatively, mix the essential oils into some sea salts, let the mix dry, and that can be added to the bath instead.

You can also try...
3 drops vanilla
3 drops sandalwood
2 drops lavender
1 drop myrrh

Spiced Apple Fritters

2011-11-07T23:28:00.000-05:00

1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 cup of finely diced apples

Sift together the dry ingredients, then blend in the vanilla, milk and egg. Fold in the apples. Drop batter by the spoonful into a half inch hot oil. Fry for about one minute on each side.

The fritters can be topped a number of ways. They can come right out of the oil and be put into a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. They can drain on paper towels a bit and be dipped into powdered sugar while still warm. They can be coated with a glaze made of powdered sugar, and enough milk or apple cider to make a light frosting. Or they can be served with maple syrup.

(17) Photo Day : Earth

2011-11-06T23:29:00.002-05:00

One of the lessons of earth is that of life, death, and life again. New spring flowers growing up from the dead leaves of the last year. Growth and decay, life and death, one always following the other.

(Day 16) The Wheel of the Year : Dark Half

2011-11-05T23:38:00.003-04:00

While the light half of the Wheel of the Year is about growth and outward activity, the dark half has a more inward focus, both drawing into the self, and back into the home during the cold winter months.

Mabon, the autumn equinox (around September 21st). The first day of autumn, and the first day of the dark half of the year. This is the sunset of the year, it is a time of balance, of (nearly) equal light and dark - but after this time, the nights will be longer than the days. Mabon is the second of the three harvest festivals. It is a time of celebration, of giving thanks for the bounty of the light half of the year.

Samhain (Nov 1st, although celebrations usually begin the eve before), the sun has set, the sky is dark - but it's not quite midnight yet. This is the peak of the autumn season. This is the final of the three harvest festivals. A time to hurry and bring in any last crops from the fields before winter sets in. It is also the harvest of animals, a time to cull herds, and a time to hunt. Many of us likely don't have physical herds that need culling, but we can still remove unnecessary things from our lives at this time.
At Beltaine the energies of spring and life were at their peak, and so at Samhain the energies of autumn and death are now at their height. The veil is again at it's thinnest point, but this time we honor those who've gone before us - the ancestors.

Yule, the winter solstice. The longest night of the year, but a night filled with the promise of the return of the light. The wheel has turned to midnight, and as a new day starts at midnight, so the new year comes with Yule - the sun and the year both being reborn. Yule is the biggest holiday of the wheel for me. It begins with the eve before the solstice, and is celebrated for 12 days. During the longest night a candle is kept lit, keeping the spark of light alive through the darkness, until the sun is reborn in the sky. The celebration lasts through Christmas and the calender new year, and so there are several opportunities to gather with friends and family, and celebrate the promise of returning light on cold winter nights.

Imbolc (February 2nd), winter's mid-point. We've passed through the bulk of the night, we known dawn is coming soon, but it's still a ways off. This is a time to prepare for the coming light half of the year. It is a quiet time, a time for purification, for tidying up and readying ourselves both physically and spiritually for the active summer months ahead. Candles are lit in honor of the slowly returning light. In New Hampshire we are still in the dead of winter during this holiday, but even so, the first faint signs of the coming spring can be seen... days lasting just a little longer, and soon we see winds not quite as bitter. There's still a wait before we really feel the warmth, but we know it will come eventually.

Then the Wheel turns back to Ostara, the light half returns, and the cycle continues.

Fall Friday

2011-11-04T20:02:00.002-04:00

Now with added "hey what's that snow doing there?"

(Day 15) Tools: Sistrums, Rattles, and Drums

2011-11-04T09:52:00.001-04:00

A sistrum is a percussion instrument from ancient Egypt, used in the worship of the Goddesses Hathor, Bast, and in later times Isis. Sistra can some in a few styles, from little metal disks on bars that move when shaken, to movable metal bars that clank against the frame of the sistrum. Depending on how the sistrum is shaken the sounds it makes can be anything from a light jingling to a loud, sharp clanging sound. In some ways, the sound can be similar to that of a tambourine.

(Two sistra, both of the metal disk variety.
Above, a naos or shrine shaped sistrum, with the image of Hathor.
Below, a simpler sistrum with a rattle attached to the base.)

Rattles and drums are more commonly known instruments. All three can be used in meditation and trance work. A simple and repetitive beat will help one in attaining an altered state of mind for otherworld traveling, and different rhythms and tones will have different effects. Some may prefer a quicker, higher tone, while others have better experiences with a slow and low beat. Additionally, some find benefit in actually using the instrument, while others prefer to listen to someone else playing - either live or as a recording. (A recording of your own playing can also be used.)

(Day 14) Spirituality as a Solitary Practitioner

2011-11-03T16:09:00.002-04:00

I've spent most of my spiritual path wandering about as a solitary. While there are some who are forced to be solitary (lack of local groups, age restrictions, or whatever other reasons), for me it has always been by choice. I have belonged to groups in the past, ranging from the very small close knit group, the slightly larger informal group, and even a large very organized group. Still, I always find myself pulling away from group work, I simply prefer to work and worship alone. There are of course benefits to a solitary path (otherwise why make such a choice?), but it does have its potential drawbacks, as well. Interestingly, many of the benefits are linked to the drawbacks...

For example, one benefit I've found is the ability to work at your own pace and on your own schedule. You study what you want, for as long as you want, and practice on your own time. The downfall to this? You have to actually motivate and direct yourself. Sometimes you can find yourself stuck, unsure of which steps to take next. Or maybe lacking the motivation to follow through on goals you set. In a group setting you might have more guidance and support through such times, but as a solitary you must be your own support.

In a similar way, you are able to write your own rituals and spells. Making them as long or as short as you want. Able to use only symbolism that speaks the most to you, to use the tools you prefer. The downfall? It's up to you to know what works for you, and what does not. It's also up to you to do all the work, both in preparing and actually in the ritual itself.

Another benefit is for the self conscious. When working alone you don't have to worry about having the eyes of others on you. You can say what you want, dance freely, sing, gesture, or whatever else without feeling self conscious. Of course, sometimes it's hard to get up and dance alone, or you may feel foolish talking with no one else around you.

There are just a few of the dual pros and cons. Like many things, being a solitary is what you make of it. What is beneficial to one person can easily weigh down another, if they are unable to use the beneifts to their advantage. A strictly solitary practice isn't for everyone, just as a truly group based practice won't be best for everyone, either. We all have to find what system works the best for us.

For me? I've found my balance. The majority of my study and practice is done alone, this is most effective for me - but sometimes I celebrate with friends, and have a network of people (mostly other solitaries) to talk to, share ideas, struggles, and so on. Even solitaries who love being alone and working alone can benefit from the input of others from time to time, and we can all get a little lonely now and then.

(Day 13) A piece of pagan artwork.

2011-11-02T23:31:00.001-04:00

I can't credit the artist of this work, as much as I wish I could, as I don't know who the artist is. I saved this image to my laptop at some point in time, no idea where it came from. I would really love to know though, so if anyone knows the source for this, please share with me. I'm really taken with this interpretation of The Fool tarot card, I think the imagery is fantastic! I'd love to see more from this artist, or own the full deck if one exists, so hopefully someone out there can help me out...

Out with the old...

2011-11-01T19:04:00.002-04:00

With the sun setting on Samhain day, and the year nearing it's end, I can't help but begin reflecting on the past year. If this year has been about anything, it's been casting off the old to make room for the new.

It's hard to imagine where I was just one year ago, it feels like it's been much longer. While there's always been change and growth in my spiritual path, it's usually been slow and connected. This year it's come in leaps, many of which I never saw coming.

The biggest change? Before this year I'd only ever formed relationships with the Egyptian pantheon. This year I found myself essentially cut off from that pantheon, first following a call to Artemis a few years in the making, second a Goddess from a pantheon I'd not even heard of before a few months ago (Proto-Indo-European).

I found this opening up many other windows, new concepts, new myths to try to understand, new imagery calling to me. So many new ideas that seemed to fit in very well with my existing path, where old ideas had been culled out earlier in the year.

The change shook my path right down to the tools I work with. Both in retiring old tools, and in bringing in all new tools I've never worked with before.

I also branched out from old communities, left communities that were holding me back, joined new ones, made many new friends. (Heck, I even cleaned out this old blog and brought it back to life!)

I'm of course wondering what else will pop up before the year's end. What next year is going to bring. I'd imagine with all the upheaval there might be a year of smoothing things out and fully incorporating all this new into my existing path, getting it all to really come together... or at least the start of such a process. Only time will tell, though.

In any case, it's been a very full and exciting year. Hard at times, but always rewarding.

Happy Samhain!

2011-10-31T20:28:00.001-04:00

Hoof and horn
Hoof and horn
All that dies shall be reborn

Corn and grain
Corn and grain
All that falls shall rise again

(Day 12) Tools: Chalice

2011-10-30T23:42:00.003-04:00

On the surface the chalice, or cup, seems to be a simple tool - a vessel to hold liquid during ritual. Beyond the surface we find complex symbolism, similar to that of the cauldron. For many the cup is associated with water, and is considered a feminine tool, as it can be likened to the womb. (Bet you'll never look at a drinking cup the same way again...) It is a tool of creation and transformation.

The cup can preform several roles in ritual. The most obvious use is holding water or some other drink that will be consumed, or given in offering (or a bit of both), during ritual. In this way it can be seen as a tool of the life giving hearth, a symbol of fertility and abundance. In this way, it also becomes an important part of rituals that focus on the sacred meal.

The cup also plays an important role in rituals of hieros gamos, that is, holy marriage. Many are probably familiar with the Wiccan form, The Great Rite. Rich in sexual symbolism, the plunging of the knife into the cup to represent the union of the Goddess and God. Outside of the Wiccan mythos, it can still represent the union of opposites. Fire and water, conscious and subconscious, seen and unseen, and the lower/instinctual self and higher self.

The cup can come in many shapes, and be made of many materials - anything from a simple clay bowl to a fancy gem-encrusted silver goblet. Sea shells, drinking horns, dried gourds, and coconut shells are all other examples of items that can be used. Material, color, and design all really depend on what the cup means to you, and how you will use it. When doing rituals at home or in the yard, I use a blue ceramic chalice (pictured above). However, when I'm out on longer treks into the forest, I find a small wooden bowl works much better. It's easier to transport, and won't chip or break if it bumps against something else in my pack.

October Snow Storms

2011-10-30T12:58:00.002-04:00

I was supposed to go to a Halloween party tonight. Instead? I'm snowed in. This is the first time I've ever seen a snow storm like this so early in the year. It's more than a little disconcerting... Earlier in the afternoon I was outside, and it was just another autumn day. A few trees have shed all their leaves, but most are still covered in leaves - some still green! Now? There's about five inches of snow on the ground, accompanied by the occasional rumble of a snow plow making the rounds. It's like someone hit the fast forward button and skipped me ahead about two months...

The leaves still being on the trees is causing problems in a lot of places. The snow is sticking to the leaves, causing the branches to bend and break under the weight. A couple of trees in the yard are normally to high for me to touch, but the tips are now dragging on the ground.

Well, and now we've just lost power. So, that's that.

*This was all written last night. In the light of day I bring you...

(Oh, and thankfully power is back on this morning - although a lot of people are still without...)

(Day 11) A Local Plant

2011-10-28T17:13:00.001-04:00

These are Teaberry plants. (Gaultheria procumbens.) Also called American wintergreen.

They're very small plants, usually only growing a few inches off the ground. They are common plants in pine forests. They are evergreens - although sometimes you find them with a dark red leaf. This seems to happen when the leaf is not getting sun because something is covering it. The fruits last through the winter, as well. The plant is a source of food for squirrels, chipmunks, deer, bears, turkeys, and some other animals.

Teaberry is an edible plant for humans as well, both berries and leaves. Best picked after the first frost, the berries have a mild minty flavor. They can be added to pies, cakes, and jams, if you're able to get enough of them. The leaves, when crushed, give off a strong wintergreen scent. The leaves can be eaten right from the plant (young leaves seem to have a nicer flavor). They can also be dried and used to make a mild mint tea. To get any stronger flavor, the leaves must actually ferment in warm water for several days. This water can also be used as a flavoring in other drinks. The essential oil can also be used to flavor foods. (If you've ever heard of Clark's Teaberry gum - which is making a bit of a come back these days - that's an example of a candy flavored with Teaberry, as you might guess by the name.)

Medicinally the plant can be used to treat minor aches, as well as being an anti-inflammatory. A salve can be made from the oil which can be applied to sprains and other such aches. Historically Teaberry was also used to aid troubled breathing. Teaberry tea can also help upset stomachs and nausea. The essential oil of the plant, in large doses, is toxic - so if you do plan to use it, please do your research and watch your dose carefully. (This really goes for ANY plant.)

Magically the plant can be used as an aid in protection workings, as well as bringing good fortune and harmony to the home.

Fall Friday!

2011-10-28T16:33:00.001-04:00

Sorry it's a little dark. I'm hoping to get a shot earlier in the day of this particular tree, it's got some great colors on it right now.

First Snow

2011-10-27T22:31:00.000-04:00

I'm dreaming of a white Samh... no wait. That's not right, is it. And yet...

Large heavy flakes, sticking just a little now, but it's pretty wet snow so it won't be around for very long. It'll be gone by the time I wake up tomorrow, but it's a reminder that winter is quickly approaching.

There's a lot to do before then. First, on the physical level, there are things that need to be done around the home. The heaters need to have the dust cleaned off of them, and be turned on for a while to make sure they work without any issue. Time to put the winter quilts on the bed. The winter jackets, boots, hats, scarves and gloves need to come out of storage. A winter kit for the car (in addition to the usual items, flashlight and such, extra gloves, scarves, blankets and snacks are stored in the car). It's also time to sort through all the stored food, see what needs to be eaten soon, needs to be replaced. (I've been called paranoid, but it's not like power outages that last a few days are uncommon here in New Hampshire. Better safe than sorry - and hungry!) Soon it will be time to get the car checked up for winter, and the snow tires put on. A last good cleaning of the house while the windows can still be open for part of the day, without it getting too cold...

It's a lot of work, physically speaking, but spiritually speaking the time after Samhain is a time of rest and reflection before the rebirth of the year at Yule. We look back on the year that's just passed, and at the death of the year we make an effort to let go of old habits that have held us back or harmed us in another way. As we head into winter, a time to draw back into the home with family and friends, it can also be a time to evaluate our relationships. Which would we be better off without? They are not easy questions, but we need to decide what we do not wish to carry through to the birth of a new year.

Misconceptions About Samhain Within Paganism

2011-10-26T20:46:00.049-04:00

Every year around this time I see the same incorrect phrases pop up.

"Samhain is the pagan new year."
"Samhain is the witches' new year."

No. No it's not. A new year for some pagans, witches, and Wiccans? You bet. The new year for everyone? Not even close.

Both paganism and witchcraft are hugely diverse groups, and that includes holidays. The Wheel of the Year is not universal among all pagans and witches. Not all pagans/witches even celebrate Samhain, let alone consider it the new year. Some follow different holidays. For example, many Kemetic (Egyptian) pagans celebrate their new year - Wep Ronpet - with the rising of he star Sirius, currently around the beginning of August.

For those that do celebrate the Wheel? The new year doesn't always fall at Samhain. Many choose to celebrate the New Year with the rebirth of the sun at Yule. I have also met several pagans who prefer to place the new year at Ostara, with the return of life to the land. This can be true of Wicca, as well. Many Wiccans celebrate the new year at Samhain, but many celebrate at Yule instead.

Some argue that since Samhain was the Celtic new year, it's wrong to do it differently. That doesn't really make sense for two reasons, though. The Wheel also includes Yule, which was the Germanic new year. More importantly, the Wheel isn't a reconstruction of any one culture. It's a mash up of different holidays and traditions. Given that, is it really so strange we sometimes celebrate in different ways?

Fall Friday

2011-10-21T23:16:00.000-04:00

Wow, has it been another week already? Sometimes I'm not sure where the time goes... Hopefully I'll have a bit more time for posting next week!

(Day 10) The Wheel of the Year : Light Half

2011-10-19T10:05:00.099-04:00

Continuing from yesterday's post, the Wheel of the Year is split into two halves, the light half and the dark half, and there are several ways to do this. For some the dark half begins at Samhain, and the light at Beltaine, running off the tradional Celtic view of summer ending with Samhain (which means something like "summer's end") and winter ending with Beltaine. Others view the light half as starting with Yule - when the sun begins to wax, and the dark half as starting with Litha, when it begins to wane. I have even seen those who start the light with Imbolc and the dark with Lammas.

Personally though? I follow the teaching of splitting the year at the equinoxes. The Light half begins with Ostara, and the dark with Mabon. Thus the light half of the year is the part of the year where there is more day than night, and the dark half refers to the half of the year when the nights are longer than the day.

I also associate each holiday with a time of the day. For me Ostara is the sunrise of the year, it begins the day, brings the light. Mabon is the sunset, it ends the day, brings the night, brings the darkness. Today though, I'll just be talking about the "day" of the year, the light half.

Ostara is the spring equinox (around March 21st), the first day of spring. Here in New Hampshire, that can be hard to tell though... (In fact, this year we had a snow storm the day after Ostara!) Still, the first signs are there to those who look. Like watching the sun slowly peak up over the horizon. We can still feel night, still see it if we look to the west, but we know the light is now here. It is a time to welcome the light, and bid farewell to the dark.
It is a day of near perfect balance, day and night are equal length - and from here on the days will begin to be (or will soon be) longer than the nights. It is a day of new beginnings, new life. A time to make plans and goals, to pick the seeds we will cultivate, and to prepare for the planting.

After Ostara comes Beltaine (May 1st), the peak of the spring season. While we were seeing the first rays of dawn at Ostara, the morning is now in full swing. It may also help to think of the seasons as a moon phase - Ostara would be the new moon, and Beltaine the full - coming back to the next new moon at Litha. Belatine is all about fertility and the new life that is now clearly all around us. The time to plant, to tend the new sprouts. Not just physical fertility and planing, but a time to inspire and nurture all creative acts and new goals/projects.
Many know Samhain as a time when the boundary between the worlds is at it's thinnest point, but its partner Beltaine is another such time. At Samhain we honor the dead, but at Beltaine it is a time to honor the spirits of Nature that are all around us.

Litha, the Summer Solstice (around June 21st). High noon of the year, this is when the sun is at it's peak and we are in the middle of the light half of the year. It is the longest day of the year, although from here out the days begin to shorten bit by bit. A time to celebrate the light, but also to acknowledge the bit of darkness that is always present, the darkness that will always return.
Still, nature is in full bloom, gardens have been planted and are growing, it's a time of abundance and celebrating the light and the growth all around us. We feast and play games, but it is still a time of work, of tending to the seeds we planted in spring, making sure they come to fruit.

Lammas, August 2nd. It's late in the afternoon now. The sun is still shining away, but it is noticeably closer to the horizon now. We begin the scurry of finishing the day's work before the night arrives. Although this is the peak of the summer season, it is also the first of the three harvest festivals.
A time to celebrate the mysteries of the sacred meal. The mysteries of the grain which was a small seed saved from the previous cycle, connected to all cycles before it. A seed planted deep within the earth, which has grown up into the sky with water and the light/fire of the sun. The crop that carries the very spirit of the land it has grown on. The seed which knowing the mysteries of the elements, becomes the crop, that has now been harvested and made into food which sustains us. Likewise, the wine, which we sip and feel our inhibitions leaving us (letting our subconscious minds come forth a bit more), is also imbued with the elements and the essence of the land.

The light half of the year closes with Mabon, and the dark half begins... but, that's another post, for another day.

The Wheel of the Year

2011-10-18T23:32:00.047-04:00

The Wheel of the Year can mean different things to different Pagans - and to be sure, not all Pagans call their holidays by this name / celebrate the same holidays, or celebrate them in the same way. For many the Wheel refers to a series of eight holidays - the four quarters (the solstices and equinoxes), and the four cross-quarters (the points between solstice and equinox). It can also include the lunar cycles, as well. This series of eight holidays was likely not known as a whole to any ancient pagan group, and is instead a mash-up of a few ancient European calendars.

Before we get into the details, let's look a bit closer at some of these terms. The Wheel part is a fairly easy one to understand, as the year can be seen as cylindrical. Eventually we always come back to the same spot. It's October 18th today, a year from now it will be October 18th again, and a year from that we'll still be at October 18th. Since we're never truly at the same point in time again, some prefer to see the passage of time as a spiral. We started in the center, and each year we move out a ring. We come to the same point on the ring over and over, but it's always a new ring. The rings of a tree are also a good metaphor to examine.

What about "quarter" and "cross-quarter" though? Draw, or imagine, a circle. Then put a line down the center of the circle, vertically. Next, horizontally. The north/upper spoke on the wheel is the Winter Solstice. The southern/lower spoke it's counterpart, the Summer Solstice. The east/right point the Spring Equinox, and the west/left point the Autumn Equinox. Those are the four quarter holidays, and as you can see, the divide the year into four quarters. These holidays are usually called Yule, Ostara, Litha, and Mabon. (But remember, names can vary quite a bit!) Quarter Days are sometimes referred to as the "lesser Sabbats."

The solstices and equinoxes are not on fixed dates. Although they usually happen around the same times each year, the exact date can vary. The Summer Solstice was on the 21st of June this year, but will be the 20th of June next year.

Next come the cross-quarter days, these dates cross the quarters, so draw an X through the circle which splits it into 8 equal pie sections. These are the Holidays Imbolc, Beltaine, Lammas, and Samhain. (Google image search "wheel of the year" for tons of pictures of this sort of chart.)

Since Samhain is the next approaching, let's use that for the next example. There are two ways to calculate the date for Samhain, and the other cross quarter days (sometimes called the "greater sabbats" or "fire festivals."). One is to go by fixed dates - Samhain would fall on the same date every year, usually starting at sundown on Oct 31st and running to sundown of Nov 1st. Why sundown? The Celtic calender is one the modern Wheel is based off of, and they began their day at sundown. (Similar to the Jewish and Islamic calenders.)
The other way to do this is to calculate the exact point between the Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice - this year that would be Nov 7th. Since the solstices and equinoxes shift slightly each year, so would these dates. Which method you use is a personal choice.

Now if you're in the Southern Hemisphere? Same thing, but flipped. While in the Northern Hemisphere we just celebrated the Autumn Equinox, in the Southern the Spring Equinox has just passed by - meaning they are getting ready to celebrate Beltaine next, while in the North we are waiting for Samhain.

Day 9 - Tools: The Censer

2011-10-16T00:37:00.003-04:00

Simply put, a censer is a holder for burning incense. For many it is a tool associated with air, or not given much thought because the actual incense becomes the main focus.

For me, it's a rather special tool - an altar unto itself, able to represent all four elements, as well as a place to make offerings and open the way to the world of the Deities. Starting with the bowl itself, my censer is cauldron shaped, linking it with water. It is filled with finely ground grain, linking it with earth. In it burns a charcoal round, fire. On it incense smolders, creating smoke - air. Through the fire offerings are given to the Gods, our words and prayers carried to Them on the scented smoke.

It takes time to prepare the censer for ritual use, going through the steps helps one to enter into a ritual mindset. It begins with selecting what to fill the censer with. You should fill it with something to help keep the censer itself from becoming too hot. Again, I use a ground grain... usually corn, as it's a local grain connecting it to this land - but other grains are sometimes used, barley for Artemis, as an example. However, there are other options to choose from. Some use sand (which you can also find in a variety of colors), dirt, salt, rice, or ash. Grains will burn a bit under the charcoal, but this can be a nice scent, and will be gone by the time the charcoal is ready for the incense.

Which brings us to the next step, lighting the charcoal. Using a pair of metal tweezers or tongs (metal chopsticks can also be used), hold the charcoal over an open flame. A taper candle or lighter works well - matches usually don't stay lit long enough. Always be sure to use incense charcoal and not BBQ bricks! Set the charcoal into the censer. Don't push it down into the filling, there needs to be some oxygen flow around the sides for proper burn. (There is a way to use ash to cover the charcoal, leaving a little vent to heat a small metal plate of incense instead of directly burning it. Look up Japanese incense ceremony techniques for more information on other ways to burn the charcoal.)

Next you must wait for the charcoal to be glowing red all across it, and covered with a fine layer of ash. Fanning or gently blowing on the charcoal can aid this process. Then the charcoal is ready for the incense. Add just a pinch or two at a time, so you don't end up with too much smoke, or smothering the charcoal which would put it out. You may want a little metal spoon to add the incense, and to scrape ash off the charcoal when too much has built up. When incense is burned as part or a larger ritual, adding the incense can become a little ritual within ritual.

The charcoal will usually burn for about an hour, perhaps a bit less. If you need to put it out before then, push it down into the filling to smother it. (This doesn't work so well with ash.) Or pour water into the censer if you do not want to use the filling again. Remove any unburned charcoal, scoop out any ash - or just mix it in. The filling can be reused several times, of if it is grain it can be left as an offering after the ritual/working. Always be sure the charcoal is out, and there's nothing burning or hot when you're at the clean up stage.

If you like cone incense (and honestly, I prefer it for inside use - and so does my fiance, who is a bit sensitive to smoke/scents) a smaller bowl can be used, but the same effect had. Small cauldron for water, earth filling, the fire which burns the cone, and the smoke which rises into the air. Cones are nice for shorter rituals (say, daily morning prayers), as they don't burn as long as the charcoal. Both methods should really be done in well ventilated rooms or outside.

Fall Friday

2011-10-14T23:23:00.001-04:00

This week started off with some unseasonably beautiful weather - sunny, and in the high 70s, low 80s. It felt like summer was giving one last show before the cold set back in. The week has ended with cooler temperatures, 60s, with a good bit of rain. More like the October I know...

Day 8 - A Favorite Scent

2011-10-06T00:55:00.000-04:00

It's hard to pick just one favorite scent - there are so many that I love for different reasons. Fall is filled with wonderful scents. Cold winds carrying the scent of wet earth, fallen leaves and bonfire smoke - and if you're lucky, you've got a mug of hot mulled cider to make things perfect. Or what about the scent of a delicious Thanksgiving dinner?

Spiritually speaking though, there's no doubt that scent is a wonderful tool for calling up memories and setting the space for a ritual. There's one scent that really links me to that right frame of mind - white sage. It's something I started using early in my journey (I'm sure many pagans do, as it's often recommended for purification and is pretty easy to get), and have been using fairly consistently through the years. Now when I light a bit of sage to purify before ritual, it connects me to all those times before, letting me quickly slip into the frame of mind necessary for the work to come.

Pumpkin and Apple Butter Pie

2011-10-04T21:59:00.004-04:00

Pumpkins and apples are both in season at this time of year, and this is a great recipe to use up a bit of that seasonal harvest. Not up to making your own pumpkin puree and apple butter? No problem, both are readily available at many grocery stores! Adding apple butter gives the familiar old pumpkin pie an interesting new twist.

3 eggs
1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (about one 15oz can)
*1 cup apple butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup, yum!)
1 5oz can evaporated milk
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground clove
1/8 tsp ground star anise
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1 unbaked pie shell (9 inch)
Melted butter

Preheat the oven to 400F. In a large mixing bowl lightly beat the eggs. Add the pumpkin puree, apple butter, brown sugar and honey - mix well. Then add the two milks, vanilla, spices, and salt. Mix until combined. Pour into a unbaked pie shell. Cover the crust with tin foil. Bake for 30 minutes (the foil will help keep the crust from burning). Remove the tin foil, lightly brush the crusts with a bit of melted butter. Bake for about 20 more minutes.The pie is done when a knife inserted close to the center comes out clean. Serve with a bit of fresh whipped cream.

*A note on apple butter - depending on how spiced your recipe is, you may want to adjust the spice levels in the pie a bit. If you don't add much spice to the apple butter, add another 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. If your apple butter (or pumpkin puree) is a bit on the watery side, cut back on the whole milk.

Day 7 - Photo Day: Water

2011-10-02T21:26:00.001-04:00

Slightly off-season, but I feel this picture captures water fairly well. This is a photo I took after an ice storm last winter. Usually destructive storms, but always beautiful... (As always, click for a larger version.)

Welcoming the Lady of the Hearth - Part Two

2011-10-02T01:50:00.006-04:00

Continuing from my last post...

Deciding that I wanted to get to know this Lady, I set out to create a ritual to preform in Her honor each evening. The first thing that had to be done was preparing the space to be welcoming to the Goddess. This involved a deep cleaning of the kitchen (where Her shrine would be kept), the kind of clean I would do when expecting a visit from guests, which seemed fitting for this Lady. Which lead to the next thing to consider, what ritual purification would I preform on myself? In the end I found it most fitting to do a simple hand washing at the sink - exactly as I would do before preparing a meal for family. (This might make more sense later in the post.)

The space was ready, I was ready, it was time to set up the shrine. Two white bowls on each side for offerings, and a pillar candle holder in the center. I put a mixture of the herbs and spices I use most often in the candle holder - salt, pepper, basil, oregano, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, red pepper, garlic, lavender, and a bit of cornmeal - to act as a perpetual offerings of sorts. (They'll be changed out each month with a special prayer.)

Then it was time to prepare the candle that would act as the Lamp of Westya. Quite simple, really. I took a bit of good olive oil from the same bottle I cook with, and anointed the candle while saying "Be pure, Lamp of Westya. Be sacred, Lamp of Westya."

(As a note, from here on all prayers were written by Ceisiwr Serith, with only a few small modifications, whose prayer and ritual books I highly recommend!)
For the first lighting of the candle I wanted to light it at my stove, the actual "hearth" of my home. It's recommended to actually light the candle, using a match as middle man, from the stove's fire - but I have an electric stove, so lighting it at the stove was next best. On this first night, and every evening since, I light the candle while saying "Westya is here, heart of our home." The candle is not a symbol of the Goddess, but Her Living Flame. After lighting, I carefully moved the candle to the shrine. (After the first night I just lit the candle in the shrine after the hand washing, while reciting the same prayer. When a new candle is needed, I'll repeat lighting it on the stove.)

After lighting the candle, I make the first offering, a "base" material that is used in cooking... milk, honey, flour, salt, oil, or iclarified butter. This is to be symbolic of Westya being the base, the foundation of the family home. Four spoons of the offering go into the bowl, reciting a line from this prayer with each spoon full...
Burn of our hearth, Westya,
source of all that is holy.
Bless us who dwell here,
and smile on our home.
After the first offering, I go on to cook dinner. This is our largest meal of the day, and the one where we are really able to sit and eat as a family. After dinner is cooked, the second is made, it is a bit of the family's meal. This offering represents the transforming and sustaining power of Westya. With this offering a personal prayer is said.

After dinner is done, there's a bit of clean up, and when done in the kitchen the candle is put out. Before putting the candle out, I take a few moments of silent meditation, then say...
You are always the shining fire,
here in home's heart.
Stay with us,
stay in our home,
and each day I will honor you.
And extinguish the candle.

Later in the evening the offerings are removed (I am placing them outside at this time), the bowls washed, and returned to the shrine for the next day.

Welcoming the Lady of the Hearth - Part One

2011-10-01T20:43:00.001-04:00

I've had a small kitchen shrine off and on for a few years now. There were a few times in the past where I would try to dedicate it to a particular hearth Deity, but it never quite felt right... So I figured it wasn't meant to be (at least not at that point in time), and gave up on that idea for a time.

That is, until reading a book by Ceisiwr Serith called Deep Ancestors: Practicing the Religion of the Proto-Indo-Europeans. The Proto-Indo-Europeans (PIE) were a loose grouping of peoples who spoke, you guessed it, Proto-Indo-European. They lived sometime around 4000 BC, give or take a thousand years or so, depending on exactly which time period we're looking at. The PIE people didn't write, so we reconstruct their language by looking at the many descendant languages (Latin is one, as is Old Norse, Old English, Old Irish, among quite a few others.) We also reconstruct elements of their culture and religion through such methods, as well as through archeological finds.

In the book Serith lists some of the Gods and Goddesses of the PIE peoples. One of these Goddesses is a hearth Goddess. The name for Her that the PIE used is unknown. Serith suggests Westya, from the same root as Vesta. Westya meaning something like "She of the Household." He also gives a few other possibilities... Xasanoya (Hearth+Deity name suffix+feminine ending - Xasa/no/ya), or Parunoya (similar to the last, but with fire instead of hearth), or Demspotni (Lady of the Household). For now, I'll stick with Westya.

I was quite taken with his description of Her, and the rituals/prayers he provides for Her, and felt called to look deeper into the subject...

Looking into a reconstructed Goddess, who's name didn't even survive. I was not entirely sure where to start. I tried to do some of my own research into the subject, which as expected isn't exactly easy - there's not a lot out there.

So what can I say about Her? She is a hearth Goddess, but more so She present in the actual hearth fire itself. The hearth is the heart of the home, the foundation, through the holy hearth fire we sustain our families. It is also through fire that many traditions give sacrifice to the Gods, and so it can be seen as a link or doorway to Them. (Smoke from the fire, or from burned incense, can be viewed in a similar way.)

So, I was left with just jumping in and seeing where this would take me. I was going to invite this Lady of the Hearth into my home, and see where it would lead me...

Day Six - Balance

2011-09-30T22:09:00.008-04:00

Despite trying to follow a balanced path, and considering balance to be quite important, this is a subject I catch quite a bit of flak over. Some folks believe that in order to be balanced, you must worship one God, and one Goddess. If you do otherwise, you're unbalanced, no matter your reasons. (I was once even told I was dangerous for worshiping only a Goddess!) So let's talk balance, and all the different ways it can manifest in a person's life.

Since nature has many lessons for us, I'll start there. Following the Wheel of the Year, we only directly see balance two times - around the Spring and Autumnal Equinoxes. Two days we see that delicate balance of night and day. Two days out of 365 days.

In reality though, the Wheel is always balanced when we look at it as a whole. Let's take the Summer Solstice for example. The longest day of the year, the shortest night - doesn't seem very balanced, and on it's own it isn't. However, when we look at the bigger picture we see there is a counterpart we must consider. Directly opposite the Summer Solstice on the Wheel is the Winter Solstice, the longest night and shortest day. Together they form a balance. It's the same all the way around it. At Beltaine life is at it's peak, at Samhain death is at the peak - either one alone would not be balanced, but together they create a whole.

On a similar level, while the Northern Hemisphere celebrates Yule, the Southern Hemisphere celebrates Litha. Again there is balance, even if it doesn't jump right out at us.

This can easily be applied to a person's spiritual path. If a person spends a good part of their life worshiping a God in a male dominated religion, then it doesn't seem too unreasonable that for them creating a balance in their life might mean worshiping only a Goddess and focusing on the female mysteries for a time. If we look at one part, it may seem that the person's spiritual path isn't balanced - but when we consider the whole, there is a balance there.

We can also look at the big picture beyond the individual. While we've made quite a bit of progress, society as a whole still doesn't always treat women very well. So when a woman (or a man) finds a safe place to honor the Divine Feminine, it's no wonder that would be embraced. The positive aspects from one helps to balance the negative aspects of the other.

Of course there is much more to consider when forming a relationship with a Deity or Deities. It's not all about balance. Sometimes a Deity brings qualities we lack, sometimes They aid us the things we are passionate about, sometimes They bring a lesson to learn, sometimes it's about connecting to an ancestral tradition. There are countless reasons and things to consider! So if a person is a devotee of two Gods, or two Goddesses and a God, or just one Deity, or any other combination - well, so what? That's just the way things work out sometimes, and really, what does it matter? It may not appear balanced, but maybe it is when you look deeper. Maybe there are other reasons. We can't always tell when it comes to another's spirituality.

Balance can enter into a path in many ways, and it is a very complex topic. Balance will not be exactly the same for any two people, because no two people will be exactly alike. What is balanced for one may not be for another. Even very similar people, on very similar paths likely won't be exactly the same. Trying to force one idea of balance on to everyone could never be truly successful, it's something we all have to work out for ourselves, should we choose to do so.

Fall Friday

2011-09-30T18:02:00.002-04:00

(Click for larger view.)

Day Five - The Ritual Knife

2011-09-29T08:25:00.009-04:00

That is my ritual knife. It is made from Damascus (or rather, pattern welded) steel, with an antler and brass handle. The sheath is leather. It's not a large blade, only measuring a little over three inches before the handle. It is, however, kept sharp.

The knife doesn't just serve a ceremonial function in my practice, but a practical one as well. It's a knife, it cuts. Now I don't just use it to go cutting any old thing*, it is still a ritual knife after all. However, if I'm out foraging herbs and plants, need to make a charm from wood or bone, or carve symbols into something... well, it's only fitting that the ritual knife be used to gather and craft items for ritual use.
(*Nothing against those who do, of course! In the end, what works is what works, you know?)

So for me the knife holds this dual purpose.... It is used in the more ceremonial functions, such as blessing, but it also a tool that has a more practical uses. If both can overlap (e.g. carving a symbol while charging it), and they often do, so much the better. Symbolically I associate the knife with fire, due to how the metal is forged, and the energies the blade holds. My knife is dedicated to Artemis - so on the rare occasion that the blade is serving no other function, I temporarily commission it to act as a symbol of Her on the altar/ in the working space.

I take great care in storing my knife. When returning back to the home from the yard/woods with my knife, I gently wash the blade and dry it thoroughly. I then coat the blade in a very thin layer of mineral oil, and wrap it in a small bit of cling wrap. The blade and the sheath then go into a wooden box stored under my home shrine. It is not advised to actually store a knife in a leather sheath, as this can promote rusting of the blade as leather can absorb and hold on to moisture from the air.

The ritual knife was one of my first tools. I've only used two in all my time as a pagan. The first was given to me by my Grandfather, just a plain black dagger, quite a bit larger than my current one. My current knife is my second, bought just this year in fact. After so many years I felt it was time to retire my old knife - this has been a year of many fresh starts as new aspects of my path keep unfolding, so it only felt right to reflect that in my tools as well.

Day Four - Personal Ethics

2011-09-25T19:19:00.007-04:00

I know I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Not all pagans follow the Wiccan rede. Nor is the belief in the Threefold Law/Karma universal. I do not follow the rede, and I do not believe in karma or the Threefold Law as many people do.

So what do I value? Personal responsibility is very high up there on the list. What this means to me is really considering what consequences - good or bad - my actions will have. Consequences can come back in many ways. Sometimes they're physical, sometimes emotional, other times they are spiritual. Sometimes the consequences affect us, sometimes someone close to us, sometimes an innocent person we don't know.

So before doing something, I must stop to consider the possible consequences of my actions. Who will I affect, and how? It's not always an easy thing to do. There can be a number of outcomes for any given scenario, and it can be hard to account for the free will of others. This is why when doing spellwork, we must be very clear, specific, and focused - no matter if the goal is to heal or to hex. Even then sometimes there will be unseen consequences. When we mess up, we have to be the ones to step up and clean up our own messes. No one else should have to do it for us. (However, that doesn't mean we can't seek help if we truly find ourselves in over our heads - or to help others who need it.)

It is also important to "know thyself." No one can really know your motives except for you, to know if we are doing something for the right reason. Really examining ourselves is not always easy, but it must be done.

Day Three - Your patron Deity/Deities: present.

2011-09-24T21:09:00.008-04:00

There's a bit of advice that I really dislike seeing tossed about carelessly. "Do whatever makes you comfortable!" Yes, it's suitable advice for some situations, but there are times where we must step outside our comfort zone. If we don't do this, how can we expect to truly grow spiritually? Of course, this is easier said than done for many of us - even when we know we must.

This is really how my relationship with Artemis began... running away in terror. Yes, even then there was a deep part of me that wanted, really wanted, to turn around and follow the calling... but what that would mean, well... it was very far outside my realm of experience. It was something I wasn't quite sure I was ready for, but also something I knew was inevitable.

Let me back up a bit. This all started a few years ago. I'd left Egyptian reconstructionism, and after a little soul searching, I'd fully taken up hedgecraft. I'd been practicing for a while, but I just wasn't really going anywhere. I'd hit a bit of a "now what?" roadblock. That's when I started to get these little nudges... I actually did begin to follow through on those, but soon fell back into old ways.

So then the nudges became a bit stronger, and a bit stronger still, but nope... wasn't having any of that. It wasn't until earlier this year that I finally did what I knew I needed to do. After spending some time studying and meditating, I welcomed Artemis. It was a spontaneous decision, somewhat unusual for me... I called out to Her, poured my heart out to Her - and She replied clearly that night. This was not going to be like anything I had come to know, this was going to be different. Very different.

It was a challenge to deal with what was quite the drastic change. It still is. It's also been rewarding. I look forward to getting to know Artemis more, to deepen this relationship.

(Public domain image.)

So who is this Goddess? In brief, She is a Huntress, but also protector of animals. Likewise, She is a protector of women (and especially little girls), and a Goddess of childbirth, but also brings sudden illness or death in women - and in the case of illness, She can also remove it. She is a Goddess of dance and music. Of the moon, but also of the sun at dawn. She is masculine (the short tunic She wears is actually a male garment), but also undeniably feminine. Chaste maiden, yet as the Lady of Ephesus there appears to be hints of a fertility cult.

She is accompanied by a band of women, both nymphs and mortal girls, and her loyal hunting dogs. She is drawn in a golden chariot pulled by deer with golden horns. Her bow and arrows are also golden, and sometimes she carries hunting spears or fishing nets instead. As a bringer of light, sometimes She is shown holding long twin torches. Her sacred animals include deer, bears, wolves and dogs. Her plants include cypress, amaranth, and walnut.

She is associated with several other Goddesses, especially Hekate and Selene, even forming a triad with the both of them becoming Hekate-Artemis-Selene. Sometimes the triad is only two, Artemis-Hekate.

There is so much more to this Goddess, for those interested in learning more about Her, here are a few sources:
Artemis: Virgin Goddess of the Sun & Moon by Sorita D'Este
Dancing in Moonlight: Understanding Artemis Through Celebration by Thista Minai
http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Artemis.html

Fall Fridays!

2011-09-23T22:38:00.004-04:00

There's no question that here in New England Fall is a beautiful season. (It also happens to be my favorite season!) I'd like to start a weekly photo series to share that beauty, so every Friday from now until the last Friday of Autumn I'll be posting a picture on that theme.

So here is the first. Technically I took this picture a few days ago, so it wasn't quite fall yet, but I think it's a fitting picture for the first day of Autumn... yellowing grasses catching the fading afternoon light.

(Click for a larger version.)

Mabon

2011-09-23T18:54:00.006-04:00

This morning, at sunrise, I was standing under a large maple tree - the same thing I did roughly 6 months ago at the spring equinox. Unlike that morning, I was not able to watch the sun rise - too cloudy. What I did notice was the striking difference between the two mornings.

On that morning back in March I woke up around 6:30AM. I brought my ritual items out to the backyard, and decided that under the maple tree would make a perfect spot. Some 30 minutes later I was seeing the first sunrise of the light half of the year coming up over the treeline.

It was a cold morning, cold enough to see my breath on the air. I was wearing my heavy winter jacket (and wishing I brought some gloves out), there was a good amount of frost on the ground, and piles of snow in some places. The branches were bare, and the ground still frozen solid and covered in patches of dead grass. It was also fairly silent.

I don't usually wake at sunrise on Mabon, but I was wondering how different the dawn would be on the other equinox. I had to head out earlier, and could watch as it got a bit lighter and lighter out even though the sun was well hidden. It was warm, I was comfortable in a light long sleeve shirt. It was also loud - bugs and birds making all sorts of noises. The grass was long and green, and the trees had all their leaves, even if some were beginning to turn.

Looking back on the past six months, on one hand I've really missed some of the (informal) goals I'd been setting for myself. I have not accomplished as much as I feel I should, as much as I wanted. On the other hand? I really have accomplished a lot when I sit back and think on it. I have learned many new things, I have joined new communities and met new friends, heck I even cleaned out and revamped this dusty old blog. There are things I have to work harder on, but there's been a lot done.

Two very different dawns, yet both days are made up of equal day and night. (Well, close to it anyway. Both had 12 hours and 8 minutes of light here in NH, since we are of course not right on the equator.) The first and last sunrise of the light half of the year. With sunset today I mark the start of the dark half of the year. The days will soon be shorter than the nights, the weather will become cooler, plants will die back. I'm thankful for the abundance the summer months bring, but I also look forward to what's coming.

Mabon Incense

2011-09-21T23:12:00.003-04:00

I'm going to hold off on the 44 days of hedgewitchery prompts until after the excitement of Mabon has passed. Today is just a simple recipe for loose incense, blended to welcome in the warm scents of Autumn, utilizing simple ingredients that many will find right in their kitchen spice cabinet.

With a mortar and pestle, finely grind...
Two points of star anise
Three allspice berries
Four cloves

Then mix in...
A pinch of dried, ground ginger
A tsp of ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground cinnamon
and 2 tsp fine dried orange zest

Grind everything until it is well blended. Burn on charcoal blocks (make sure you always use charcoal specifically designed for incense - not BBQ blocks!), a pinch or so at a time. Add it carefully, as depending on how much ash is on your block it may spark a bit.

Day Two - Your Patron Deity/Deities: Past

2011-09-19T21:52:00.005-04:00

So, I've been thinking how to handle this post without ending up writing a novel, because I don't think many people would want to read that... So let's keep it short and sweet. One or two lines about the Deity, and one thing they taught me.

As I mentioned yesterday, I spent nearly a decade worshiping only the Egyptian Gods. This wasn't always by choice, and honestly it could be downright frustrating at times. Still, I suppose such things happen for their own reasons... So, given that, it should come as no surprise that I grew very close to a few of these Gods and Goddesses. Those Deities were...

Heru-sa-Aset (Horus son of Isis). Egyptian God of the sky (and both the sun and moon), kingship, war, and protection - among other things. The first Deity I ever formed a relationship with, way back when I was still a Wiccan. He taught me that yeah, maybe this whole pagan thing wasn't such a crazy idea after all. That these Gods that school teachers were quick to label as "dead" might not be so dead after all...

Nut (pronounced more like noot). Egyptian Goddess of the sky, especially the starry night sky. Mother of Gods and friend to the dead. She first spoke to me a few years after Heru. She taught me that Deity can be as vast as the universe, but still caring and personal.

Het-heret (Hathor). Egyptian Goddess of the sun and sky, love, music, beauty, dance, and women. She taught me that there's nothing wrong with enjoying "feminine" things, that there's nothing wrong with being a woman, that those things do not somehow make me lesser.

There were others, of course, but I'm never sure if they would be considered "patrons" by most or not. (The term patron was not one used in my particular tradition when I was a recon., so sometimes it's hard to "translate" these relationships into other terms.) Perhaps that's best left for another day...

Day One - Your Spiritual Background

2011-09-17T23:18:00.006-04:00

This is a topic I covered a bit in my original introduction a few months back, but to re-cap a bit, and give a few more details in some areas...

I first learned of paganism when I was quite young, a few months before my 13th birthday to be exact. Like many others, the first pagan path I was exposed to was Wicca. My mother and I were staying with my aunt for part of Christmas break. One of my cousins was not at home, so I was sleeping in her room. As I was getting ready for bed, I noticed one of her books, a book on Wicca... I stayed up late into the night reading, and feeling a connection to many of the ideas presented (such as a connection to nature, and worship of old Gods and Goddesses). The flame was lit. I continued to study and follow this path the best I could. Unlike many others, my family was supportive of my spiritual seeking, and helped me when they could - usually by getting me books, tools, etc.

As I practiced Wicca, I started to develop relationships with the Gods and Goddesses of ancient Egypt (the Netjeru). I also started to realize that there was more to paganism than just Wicca. It was around this time that I first learned of, and began to study, other forms of witchcraft - including hedgecraft, although there was not much hedge-crossing and spirit work at this time, of course.

However, I was still primarily focused on my relationship with the Netjeru. I was slowly replacing elements of my Wiccan practice with Egyptian ideas, beliefs, and practices. In essence, I was transitioning from an Egyptian Wiccan to a reconstructionist.

Eventually, my path split into two. My religion was Egyptian reconstructionist, but my craft was eclectic witchcraft. They were separate, and served very different functions with little overlap. I eventually joined an Egyptian reconstructionist (or rather, "revival") tradition, which I was a member of for a few years.

Eventually I left the tradition, due to personal differences/issues, you could say... At any rate, I was at a bit of a loss for a short while, everything felt (and had been feeling) quite fragmented - but soon it became rather clear what I needed to do. I was being called. Over the course of a few months in late 2007, I left behind reconstruction and took up hedgecraft in full. There were some events that lead up to this, but they're pretty private, so I'm not too comfortable writing about them at this point. Maybe in the future, but not now.

Anyway, that is where I am today. Hedgecraft is now both my craft and my religion/spirituality (in the sense that this is the only way I worship and commune with Deity). There is no longer a separation between the two, I've found the balance that works for me.

44 Days of Witchery / 30 Day Paganism Challenge

2011-09-15T03:18:00.017-04:00

44 Days of Witchery and the 30 Day Paganism Challenge (no source link for this one) are two different memes/prompt challenges I've seen floating around various blogs (including http://openingthebroomcloset.wordpress.com/ ). I've always had a soft spot for these types of things, so I've decided to give it a go.

The premise is fairly simple. Each day (or however often) you go down the list answering one question in your blog, until you've worked your way down the entire list 44 days later (or 30, or however many). For some, the deeper idea is that it gets you in the habit of blogging daily, and getting your thoughts out there. For others, the challenge is more in blogging about topics you might otherwise pass over.

Now, the catch is that I felt that it would be most appropriate to make my own list of prompts for this. The 44 days list is good, but I would have had to change several to fit in with my path, and remove a few that don't apply at all. So, I've created my own list of 44 prompts, centered more around hedgecraft and my own personal spirituality - it is inspired by both lists, taking some questions from both, while adding some of my own or rewriting others to be more applicable. (If anyone else is interested in these types of challenges, I'd suggest looking at the others and seeing which would be most fitting for you.)

My 44 Day List is...
1. Your spiritual background.
2. Your patron Deity/Deities: past.
3. Your patron Deity/Deities: present.
4. Personal ethics.
5. Tools: ritual knife.
6. Balance.
7. Photo day: water.
8. A favorite scent.
9. Tools: the censer.
10. Wheel of the year: light half.
11. A local plant.
12. Tools: Chalice.
13. A piece of pagan artwork.
14. Spirituality as a solitary.
15. Tools: Rattle/Sistrum/Drum
16. Wheel of the year: dark half
17. Photo day: earth.
18. The ancestors.
19. Wheel of the year: the lunar cycles
20. Photo day: a sacred space in nature.
21. The hedge.
22. Nature spirits.
23. Tools: Flute
24. Your altars and shrines.
25. Your grimoire.
26. Photo day: fire.
27. Something you're proud of.
28. Something that influenced your spiritual growth.
29. Something that inspires you now.
30. Tools: Stang
31. A favorite myth.
32. A local animal.
33. Your favorite method of divination.
34. Something you regret.
35. Photo day: air.
36.Tools: Misc Odds and Ends
37. The Hearth.
38. A witchy recipe (food or otherwise).
39. Telling family and friends that you're pagan.
40. Something you feel non-pagans should know about paganism.
41. Your advice for seekers.
42. A goal you'd like to accomplish, and how you plan to accomplish it.
43. Your future.
44. Author's choice.

So, where have I been?

2011-09-14T23:41:00.002-04:00

I was planning to get some posting done in these last two weeks, I really was... However, on the 3rd of September I found myself riding shotgun in an ambulance with my grandmother in the back. Apparently she'd thrown up blood in the early morning, and a few hours later she still didn't feel well, so my grandfather was going to bring her to the hospital. Well, she wanted to take a shower first (seriously Mama?), which lead to her feeling faint and she was having a hard time breathing. This is about when I was called upstairs, and it's when we called 911.

Long story short, Mama scared the ever loving hell out of me, but she's fine now. See, she'd ate something sharp (we're thinking a bit of shrimp shell), and it scratched her stomach near the esophagus (or perhaps the other way around, there).

They kept her in the hospital for a few days, so I was left to take care of my grandparents' home. Why not have Papa do it? Well, here's an example. He wasn't feeling well one of those days (too much heat), so he made himself a cold bean sandwich for dinner. Plopped down two slices of bread on the counter, dumped beans from the refrigerator all over the bread (and on the counter), put them together and... walked away. With beans all over the counter. Yeah. (Should I tag this for recipes? Heh. Here's another Papa classic for you. Crumble Saltine crackers into a bowl. Cover with milk. Eat.)

After Mama came home, I had to help her figure out her medications, and still do most of the house work for her. Oh yeah, we managed to fit in Labor day dinner in all this, too!

So, all in all, it put me a week or so behind my own schedule, but eh - life happens sometimes, right? Mama is okay, so that's really all that matters to me. I did want to write a bit about Labor day, might get around to that tomorrow. Mabon is coming up in a little more than a week, so I hope to at least put up a few recipes in the near future.

Alter vs. Altar

2011-08-30T23:13:00.002-04:00

Just a quick post this week, on a little pet peeve of mine.

Folks, alter and altar are two different words. To alter something means to change it, to make it different in some way. "The main road was closed so we had to alter our course." Or, "I had to take the dress in to have it altered."

An altar is the table or other such structure where you preform religious rites, worship, leave offerings, etc. "I have a statue of Artemis on my altar." Or "I left offerings to the spirits at the altar."

Like I said, not the most earth shattering thing, but a mistake that's quite common.

Prayer Beads, Part Three

2011-08-24T22:01:00.004-04:00

Now that I had a goal in mind - making a set of prayer beads dedicated to a Deity, specifically Artemis - I could begin thinking a bit more on design specifics. I wanted to make something simple and small, about the length of a loose bracelet, something that could easily fit into a pocket. I also knew that I wanted to include a rosary style drop pendant.

I had a large green and gold glass bead in my craft box that I decide to use for the pendant, rather than a charm. Keeping this in mind, I visited the local craft store. There I found some green-brown beads with black marbling. The coloring reminded me of the forests and mountains sacred to Artemis. I wrapped the strand of beads around my hand to see if it would give the length I desired - it was a little short, but I wanted to include some smaller beads as well, so it would work out. I also spent a bit of time touching and holding the beads, making sure they felt nice to the touch, and didn't have any little defects that would distract me from my prayers/meditation.

I picked up some small bronze-gold spacer beads, which I thought would go well with the gold on my focal bead. I like to include the smaller spacer beads because I find it helps me feel the break between each bead a little better. I'd also need something to string the beads on, and chose some 10lb hemp cord.

When I got home I set my design and began to string it. I cut off a good amount of cord, several inches more than I thought I'd need (this helps with making the final knot).

I began with the main part of my prayer beads, which was just a simple pattern of spacer bead, large bead, spacer, large, etc. I began and ended with a spacer bead, as these would be the ends that would eventually come to the drop down. (The cord was stiff, so I did not require a needle or anything special to string it. Be sure to consider the size of the holes in the beads when picking a stringing material!)

With the main section finished, I brought both ends of the string together and slipped a bronze bead down both strands. This is the beginning of the drop.
Here you can see the loop of beads, being brought together by a bronze bead with both strands running though it.

Next I added a few more bronze beads, and finally the focal bead, again stringing them through both strands at the same time.

Finally I tied a knot at the base of the focal bead, and cut off the excess cord. I dabbed a bit of super glue all over the knot to help secure it. Bead stores sell special glue for this, and school glue works as well. I've also been told a dab of clear nail polish can help. A very tight and secure knot can also stand alone.

That's it, my beads were made and ready to be cleansed and dedicated to use in the worship of and meditation on the Goddess Artemis. All in all, the project cost me around $13 - although $5 of that went to the cord, which I have plenty of for future projects now (as well as having a number of the bronze beads left). It's an inexpensive project that's not hard to do, but can be very rewarding in the end.

Again, this is just one of many uses/designs, so expect a few more how to guides in the future.

A good day for a walk.

2011-08-23T23:44:00.000-04:00

I try to get out and walk a little every day, it's good to get a little fresh air and it helps me to clear my mind and enjoy nature a bit. I've taken to walking down the road to a field with corn growing in it. When I first started walking down to that area I had no idea what would be growing in that field. It was pretty interesting to see the little shoots come up, and the plants grow, until now when they're heavy with corn and almost ready to be harvested.

Now for various reasons I hadn't been out in almost a week. I went out this evening, and on the way to the field I cross a bridge - down below something caught my eye. A large doe was standing down there, eating clover. She saw me and froze for a minute, then went back to eating. I was pretty close to her and was able to just watch for a good while. While deer usually come through the back yard at my Grandparents' house, I have not been this close to a deer in a few years. Eventually a car came by and scared her back into the woods (the way the bridge is, she wasn't in danger of dashing into the road).

On the way back from the field I saw a fox crossing the road - they seem to be pretty common here, actually. I see one every other week or so, usually around this same spot (wonder if it's the same one?) - it was carrying a little mouse in its mouth.

It was a very nice evening for a walk.

Prayer Beads, Part Two

2011-08-22T22:05:00.002-04:00

Prayer beads are fun to design and create, but before you can start thinking about the design of your prayer beads you must first decide what you wish to use them for. Will you chant traditional mantras with your beads? Dedicate them to a specific deity, or pair/group of deities? Use them to meditate on a specific topic - such as the Wheel of the Year, the elements, or the moon phases?

What you wish to use your beads for will help you determine how many beads you want to use, what material and color(s) the beads should be, if you want to include charms, and other such details.

For example, say I wish to make prayer beads dedicated to a specific Deity. I now have a basic goal, and it's time to start working out the details. I can consider which gems, woods, and other materials are sacred to, or associated with this Deity. I should also consider which materials are disliked by the Deity - for example, bone is often considered to be ritually impure for many Egyptian Deities. I can also take into consideration any colors or numbers that may be associated with the Deity.

Many Deities can be associated with symbols. Artemis has several sacred animals, including the deer, bear, and wolf. She is also associated with her bow and arrows, the cypress tree, and the moon. Hathor's symbols include the mirror and the sistrum. An ankh would also be a good symbol for many Egyptian Deities. You may want to include charms or images of the Deity in your beads.

Now is also the time to begin considering if you wish to use a set of prayers with your beads, if you'd like to have longer prayers on larger beads and a shorter prayer on the smaller beads, or the same prayer on each bead. Alternatively, you may wish to meditate on a different title or attribute of a Deity for each bead. You can also just hold beads while you pray from your heart or meditate on the Deity in general.

After thinking about all these things a bit, you may start to have ideas on what you want your beads to look like. Next, it's time to gather your materials, lay out your design, and put it all together! That's another post though, coming soon.

Let's Talk Prayer Beads

2011-08-18T23:55:00.006-04:00

I've had an interest in prayer beads for a very long time now. Growing up I had several Catholic friends, so the first type of prayer beads I was exposed to was the Catholic rosary. I saw them a few times, delicate strands of beads in a small silk pouch with snap button, usually tucked away in a bedside drawer. At the time I only had a vague idea what they were for. I didn't know that a prayer was said on each bead, that there was a method to praying the rosary.

In my second year of high school I was exploring Hinduism. I learned about the mala, beads used to count mantras on (usually 108 beads). I was very interested in using a mala and mantras for meditation, and eventually bought one to use. These were my first prayer beads. Rose quartz beads on metal links, with a Radha-Krishna pendant. I used them to chant the Hare Krishna mantra. I did it often, even keeping the beads in my coat pocket to count silent mantras on the school bus.

It was around this time that I was also taking my first jewelry class. It occurred to me that I knew how this mala was made, and it was a rather simple technique that I could replicate with ease. While I did make some religious jewelry during that time, it wasn't until a few years later that I started to make my own prayer beads.

The first set I made as a Kemetic reconstructionist, even though there was no evidence that prayer beads were used by the ancient Egyptians. I wanted to try a different style, I tried a rosary style - a loop with a drop pendant. It was a series of small turquoise beads broken up by larger lapis lazuli and howlite beads. The pendant was an ankh. I used the stand to count the 42 purifications (also known as the negative confession) as well as using the larger beads to pray to Ma'at and my "patrons."

Eventually I made a second set, dedicated to the Goddess Nut. Very simple, blue goldstone (for those unfamiliar with the stone it is a manmade gem, dark blue with silver flecks all through it - looks very much like the night sky), with silver spacer beads. It also ended in a drop pendant style, a small frame which I pasted a picture of Nut in.

That was a few years ago. While I still make use of devotional jewelry, my interest in prayer beads wasn't there any more. Very recently, however, I came across a lotus seed bead mala, and it rekindled my interest. I thought of all sorts of prayer beads I could create, and not just for prayer, but also in various meditation and ritual for different goals.

Over the next few weeks I'll be posting a bit more on the various uses of prayer beads, as well as how to make your own set. It's not a hard project to take on at all, even for someone with no knowledge of jewelry making, and they can be helpful spiritual aids.

Changing Beliefs

2011-08-11T21:59:00.001-04:00

"Do your beliefs change over the years as you change and develop?"

They absolutely have changed, and I imagine they will continue to change as the years go by.

If one is truly active on their spiritual path, it would be very strange for their beliefs to not change at all. Even after several years, if there aren't still changes now and then... well, a stagnant spirituality isn't very beneficial. They don't have to be major or radical changes, but beliefs should always continue to grow as you do. Time always brings small changes and new understandings.

This is my 13th year on my spiritual journey. This year alone has brought some major changes, and it has not been the only year to do so. Year 13 has really thrown me out of my comfort zone, and it almost feels like... like it's time to get more serious? I'm not sure that's quite the right term for how I'm feeling. I know where I am, I know where I want to be, I know what must be done to get there. In the past there were many times where I just let a path take me where it will. While I learned a hell of a lot that way, and it was necessary for me at the time, it feels like now is the time to walk the path with more purpose.

There have been many changes as I've grown, some huge, many much smaller. However, I've always had a pretty solid, but small, core set of beliefs as well. They developed within my first few years of exploring my spirituality, if not before I really set out on that road, and they've stuck with me since then. Those beliefs have certainly grown as I have come to have a fuller understanding of them and what they mean to me... but they have not really changed. Although, in many ways growth on a core idea is still a form of change.

Ah well, this prompt is a bit half answered. I want to talk more on the specific changes I've gone through, talk more on how my beliefs evolved over time, but that sort of reflection will come a bit later in the year...

Finally sitting down to update...

2011-08-10T21:15:00.009-04:00

I was visiting with my Grandparents last week, and of course my laptop died on my first day there. While I was able to get online now and then to keep up with things, I never had time to actually relax and write. (Certainly didn't help that I also had to take care of my injured fiance and sick dog for most of the week!)

My Lammas celebration was pushed back a day. I packed a bag with a bit of blueberry wine and a small loaf of bread, and hiked out into the woods behind the house. These woods have changed a bit since I was younger... A small bit of logging was done by whoever owns a particular stretch of the woods a few years ago, which has made way for a lot of new undergrowth. Several of the old deer trails are gone now, so I've had to find new ways back to the old road that runs through the woods.

Before I made it back to the old road, which leads back to a hill I was planning to have my ritual on, I stumbled on a large rock that I visited a lot when I lived at home. I went camping on it with my grandfather when I was little, I remember cooking a can of baked beans and some hot dogs on it. I decided that was the better place for my ritual.

It was very simple, but I've always favored a more informal approach to such things. A blessing of the wine and bread followed by a meditation on the sacred meal.

After, I hiked through the woods a bit more, then headed home, picking some wild blueberries on the way. I grew up with the wild berries, and have never cared for the cultivated blueberries you can get from stores. The wild berries are smaller, with a stronger and sweeter taste. If you haven't tried the wild variety keep an eye out for them, sometimes they're sold frozen in grocery stores. They're great in muffins, bread, and pancakes. Back home I was able to pick some blackberries as well, but most of them need a bit more time to ripen - then it will be time for blackberry jam.

The Stang

2011-07-28T10:23:00.001-04:00

A stang is a forked staff, of usually two or three tines, that can serve many purposes. It can act as a vertical altar, a bridge to the other world, a symbol of the world tree, a symbol of (or altar to) a Deity, a walking/traveling stick, or as a staff to raise/direct energy and to mark ritual space. It is usually used by hedgewitches and other traditional witches, but can be incorporated into numerous paths.

The historical origins of this tool are not clear. Some say Robert Cochrane invented the tool, but it seems more likely that he simply reintroduced the tool to modern day witchcraft, and perhaps gave new meanings to the tool. Old woodcuts of witches show them using a forked staff (sometimes riding it) along with other "traditional" witches items, such as the besom and cauldron. It is possible that the staff shown was related to a cooking stick, hay fork, distaff, or another common tool. One possible origin for the term stang comes from the Old Norse language, and can be roughly translated as "staff, pole, or rod." Others speculate that it comes from the Old English language, and shares a similar root with the word distaff.

In modern use the stang is often made of ash, or another wood symbolic of the world tree such as rowan, yew, or hawthorn. However, it is not uncommon to see other woods being used for their various properties - such as poplar for underworld work, or oak for masculine energies. The wood used really depends on what the stang's primary use will be, and the personal preference of the witch making it. Some use fallen branches (and may not even know what wood the fallen branch is), seeing the fallen branch as a gift from nature. Others choose to connect with a tree and cut a branch from it, wishing the specific energies and bond with that tree. Again, it comes down to personal choice.

There is no set size for a stang. While they are usually staffs, some choose to make smaller, almost wand sized stangs. Some have shoulder height stangs, head height, or even giant six or seven foot stangs. The huge stangs are usually coven tools in traditional witchcraft. A solitary might instead like to use a small walking stick type, or even the wand type, depending on what they want to use their stang for, where they practice, and how portable they need their stang to be.

A stang often ends in a natural two pronged fork, although sometimes a three pronged fork is used. Larger stangs (shoulder height or higher) are sometimes topped with a skull with antlers or horns, or just the antlers or horns, to make the fork. Metal tines can also be added instead of the natural fork. The bottom of the stang can sometimes be covered with a metal point, or the wood slightly sharpened, to make it easier to drive into the ground during ritual.

Stangs can be decorated in various ways. Natural decorations, such as bone, beads, feathers, fur, leather, shells, cotton ribbon or string, are most common. It can also be sanded, painted, stained, or wood burned with symbols or patterns. Of course, it can also be free of any decoration. How it is decorated will depend on what it will be used for, the personal symbolism the witch chooses, and individual taste.

The stang is rich in many layers of symbolism. As a symbol for the World Tree, the top fork can represent the upper world, the middle staff section the middle world, and the end (which is driven into the earth) the lower world.

The two prongs can also represent feminine energies, the staff masculine energies, the whole the union between the two. It can also symbolize union between the sky and earth. Or, one prong of the fork can symbolize feminine energies, the second prong masculine, and the staff creation manifest. The two prongs can also represent duality... light/dark, sun/moon, sky/earth, seen/unseen, physical world/spiritual world, life/death etc. while the middle section of the staff can represent balance between the two. It is a symbol of union, cycles, and transformation.

Some see the stang as a totally masculine tool, especially when used as a symbol of/altar to a God. However, others see the stang as a relative of the distaff, a traditional women's tool used in spinning. (Especially true of three pronged stangs, but also in the two pronged ones as well). As a tool of feminine energies and spinning, it can represent creative energies and is sometimes used as a symbol of fate, or of a Goddess in this way.

The stang can also act as a portable altar, representing all the elements/common ritual tools in one object. The fork can be seen as the chalice (water), the middle section of the staff as athame (fire), the whole can be used as a wand (air), and when driven into the earth completes the connection between all elements (especially true with a metal tipped end).

As it has many symbolic meanings, so can it have many ritual uses. It can be used as a symbol of the world tree, an aid to creating a gap in the hedge (thinning of the veil), an assistant to shamanic journeying. When used in this way, it is generally struck into the middle of the ritual space.

The stang can be used in a similar way as a wand, to focus and direct energy. The stang can help pull up energy from the earth, or aid in grounding energy when ritual is over (or after otherworld work). As a staff, it can also be used to draw out the compass, or ritual space, on the ground.

A stang topped with a horned skull (or just the horns) can also be dressed up in a shirt or robe and act as a protector who watches over the ritual (sometimes called a scarecrow in this form). In a similar way it can act as a symbol, or altar, of a Horned Deity. In this form it is often placed in the North section of the ritual space, or, moved with the cycles of the sun (in a daily or yearly way. For example, in the south at noon, or at Litha). In this form, it can also be placed into a cauldron to represent the cycle of life, death, and rebirth - an especially popular symbol at Samhain, but also used at other times.

The stang also makes a fine walking stick for the wandering witch. A small bundle of ritual items can be hung from the fork (or just below it) to be carried to the working site - or if one is out foraging, to carry things back home. During a night ritual, when a fire is not wanted, a small lantern can be hung from the stang to allow for a bit of working light. I have also seen a few uses that are more obscure, such as being used as a sighting pole (it was recommended to mark 1/16th of the horizon in this form).

Usually the stang is decorated for times of celebration, especially when it is serving as an altar or representation of the World Tree or of a Deity. For example, after erecting the stang in the ritual space on Beltaine, it could be decorated with garlands of flowers and ribbons. Or, a wreath and other evergreens at Yule. Libations or other offerings can be left at the base of the stang. When used as an altar for ritual focus, it can be stuck into the middle of the ritual space, or at the north of the compass, or on Sabbats with the corresponding direction (north-east on Imbolc, east on Ostara, etc.)

Like many ritual objects, different individuals and traditions often put their own meaning to the stang. While I've tried to bring information from many sources, it is sure that the stang has more uses and layers of symbolism to it. Like many things in witchcraft, some of which can only be discovered personally through its use.

Four Thieves Vinegar

2011-07-18T13:20:00.002-04:00

Four Thieves Vinegar is a blend of vinegar and herbs that is used to protect against disease (traditionally the plague, but other epidemics as well). It can also be used to ward off the spells of other witches, for general protection, repulsion and reversal, and to drive back or control your enemies.

Four Thieves Vinegar is said to have originated during the Black Plague. The four thieves robbed from the homes or the sick and dying (or sometimes from graves), without falling sick. They were eventually caught, and as a bargain to escape punishment they shared their secret for saying healthy.
Another version of this story has the thieves stealing from healthy people, being caught, and were sentenced to bury plague victims. They created this blend to survive their punishment. Some say these thieves were from a family of perfume makers, and would have had knowledge of herbs and which had antiseptic properties.

It is made by placing equal part of sage, lavender, rosemary and thyme (one herb for each thief) into a glass bottle or jar. Then fill the jar with red wine vinegar (or a vinegar of your choice), and seal it well. The jar should be allowed to sit for at least a week, but it is ideal to make this blend on the night of the full moon, and allow it to charge until the new moon. After strain the herbs out of the vinegar, and again seal the vinegar into a bottle or jar.

The vinegar can be used to anoint the body, candles, or ritual items/tools. It can be added into a bath, or as a wash for the body in a shower. The blend can also be taken internally (wash fresh herbs well and pat dry if you are going to be using it in this way - research and follow food safety guidelines for making a flavored vinegar!), some say it makes a wonderful salad dressing when mixed with a bit of olive oil.

Sometimes other herbs are used in this blend. In later times lemon balm and mint were added to make the vinegar more sweet smelling and tasting. Garlic is another late addition, and on occasion is the only herb used. Wormwood and rue are also sometimes seen in recipes.

As the herbs may vary, so even the number of thieves can vary from location to location. Some places know this blend as Seven Thieves Vinegar, others Three Thieves. It can also be simply known as Thieves Vinegar, or Grave Robbers Blend.

Beech

2011-07-11T17:30:00.007-04:00

I spent some time digging through my notes, books, and researching online about beech trees today.

One site listed it as the feminine counterpart to the oak. While the birch is the maiden or Lady of the Wood, beech is the Queen.

Beech was used to make early writing tablets, thin slices were bound into books, and later beech was used to make paper. The beech tree made the first writing tablets for the runes, and is associated with the God Ogmah (creator of the ogham). It is a symbol for the written word, and the wisdom within ancient teachings. Beech teaches us to write, and preserve knowledge for future generations. For these reasons it is a tree of wisdom, lore, understanding, and knowledge - especially old, hidden, or forgotten knowledge.

Beech also aids in the retrieval and rediscovery of these ancient secrets and lost bits of wisdom, allowing the practitioner to cross the threshold into the otherworld and bring back the wisdom there. It is the tree for one who thirsts for knowledge, who has a questioning spirit.

Because of it's association with ancient knowledge and secrets, it is used to help commune with ancestors and ancient spirits and guardians.

The beech is rooted in the knowledge of the past, sustained by ideas of the present, and always continued to grow into the future.

Beech is a tree that doesn't get talked about a lot. After all this, I truly have no idea why, it carries some very powerful symbolism.

Finding a Stang...

2011-07-04T13:46:00.005-04:00

Since last October I've had it in mind to finally make a real stang (a forked staff of sorts, I guess I still need to write a post about them). You see, I had one for a short while when I lived in Washington - a three foot tall T shape, which I found in the woods, and chose to leave undecorated. I felt it was a temporary gift for temporary work with the nature spirits in that area. This time I want to make one that's going to stay with me for a good long while.

So, since October I have been looking for the right branch from the right tree to use. I was undecided as to which wood I would use.. ash, maple, oak? I took long walks in the woods, always keeping my eyes open, but nothing ever called to me. Until today. There's a beech tree on the side of the road, right next to my Grandparent's house. I have ridden my bike past it and walked past it countless times since I've started my search. It wasn't until today I saw what looked like it would be the perfect stang - even though I know I searched those trees before.

I live about 40 minutes away from my grandparents, and I am going home today. I will have to wait until I am visiting again for a few days later in the month to see if this truly is the stang for me. Until then? I guess I'll begin by researching deeper into the symbolism of the beech.

Nut

2011-06-24T22:53:00.003-04:00

Just looking through some of my pictures, an old favorite I painted last year, the Egyptian Goddess Nut - a little traditional, a little not. (The flash made some of the colors look a little strange. Some of the blues are a bit darker...)

Happy Litha!

2011-06-21T16:17:00.004-04:00

Oh, do not tell the Priest our plight,
Or he would call it a sin;
But--we have been out in the woods all night,
A-conjuring Summer in!
And we bring you news by word of mouth-
Good news for cattle and corn--
Now is the Sun come up from the South,
With Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!

(Part of A Tree Song, by Rudyard Kipling)

Pineapple Habanero Glaze

2011-06-18T18:44:00.001-04:00

Summer will be here in just a few days, and it's a perfect time to enjoy sweet tropical fruits with a hot spicy kick!

1 small Habanero pepper, finely diced with seeds discarded (unless you like super fire mouth.)
butter
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup orange juice
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1/2 cup finely diced mango
dash salt and black pepper

In a small saucepan saute the Habanero in just a bit of butter until it's softened. Add in all the liquids, as well as the honey. Simmer until the liquid has reduced by about half, and the glaze has thickened a bit. Add in the fruits, salt, and pepper. Heat through.

This will yield about a 1/2 cup of glaze. It's delicious on chicken, salmon, or pork. Add the glaze when the meat has about 5 minutes left to cook, so it doesn't burn. Or just use as a sauce on top of the meat after it's cooked.

Feel free to adjust the heat level as needed. A whole pepper may be too spicy for some, and not spicy enough for others.

What is a Hedgewitch?

2011-06-09T01:05:00.011-04:00

Hedgewitches are not Wiccans. The vast majority of us do not follow the Wiccan Rede, nor the threefold law, we usually do not follow Wiccan ritual structure, and we do not share all the tools and beliefs of Wicca. Now, it may seem strange that I'd start off an article on what a hedgewitch is by saying what we are not, but there are a few pagan authors out there who paint hedgecraft as nothing more than solitary Wicca (or just another "whatever you want it to be" belief), and I want to clear up that misconception right away -- Hedgecraft is a specific tradition that stands on its own.

So then, what exactly do hedgewitches practice and believe in? Hedgewitches practice a mix of traditional witchcraft and shamanism. It is a path based on the wise women/cunning folk of old Europe (who could be considered the shamans of their culture). Now of course Europe is a fairly big place, made up of lots of history and different cultures. Some Hedgewitches may have an Italian focus, and other a more Scandinavian outlook. Hedgewitches may also pull bits and pieces from non-European cultures, depending on where they live, their ancestry, or for other personal reasons.

Hedgewitches walk a path of balance, preferring to walk the border between the right and left hand paths rather than follow a practice that is strictly one or the other. They have no problems with preforming a healing for someone on one day, and placing a hex on another the next day, if that is what they feel the situation calls for. They generally practice folk magic, sometimes called low magic (as opposed to high or ceremonial magic), and study folk lore and traditions. Hedgewitches also pull from more recent sources and ideas, allowing them to bridge the gap between ancient and modern.

Hedgewitches are most often solitary, preferring to work alone. Hedgecraft is for those who are most comfortable living and working on the fringes of society - literally, figuratively, or both as the case may be. Because of this, and their shamanic otherworld work, they can be seen as strange or eccentric by some. Occasionally hedgewitches may sometimes work in family groups, or more rarely in small, non-family groups.

There's a lot of room for flexibility and individuality in hedgecraft, much like in Wicca - but also like Wicca, we have some core beliefs and practices that stand out as necessary to our tradition. Those core beliefs include:

Otherworld journeying. Arguably the most essential core belief. Hedgewitches use shamanic techniques to cross the boundary between worlds, to seek help and knowledge from the spirits there, among other reasons. This act is usually called crossing the hedge, walking the hedge, or riding the hedge. The hedge, as a border between civilization and the wild, is seen as a symbol for the boundary between the worlds. (Similar to the concept of The Veil in Wicca.)
Drums, rattles, meditation and dance are some of the techniques used to induce trance. Some hedgewitches also choose to use the traditional method of using various trace inducing herbs and plants, usually with the aid of a trusted friend to keep watch over their body as the spirit journeys. These flying potions/ointments are never used lightly. Great care is taken with them, and it can take years of careful experimenting before the hedgewitch finds their perfect blend. It is not a shortcut, nor an easy way to experience the mysteries or otherworld travel. If you haven't become familiar with the necessary skills and traveling with focus, you won't get much benefit from such techniques.

A deep reverence for nature. Hedgewitches celebrate and strive to live in communion with the cycles of nature. They study the lore and mysteries of plants and animals. Hedgewitches usually honor and work with the spirits of nature, as well as working with various animal spirits/totems. Herb and plant work usually plays a large part in hedgecraft. While a hedgewitch may have a garden, they are also likely to know where and when to forage wild plants and herbs - as well as knowing the habits of local wildlife. Hedgewitches are drawn to, and spend a lot of time in wild and rural places.

A local focus. A hedgewitch works hard to study the local plants and animals, and to know, work with and be in tune with the natural rhythms around them. They can deeply personalize their path with this local focus, as the local wildlife and seasonal patterns can be vastly different depending on where one lives. In addition, they often serve and care for their local community in one way or another. A common way to do this is by practicing some form of healing, be it herbal healing, midwifery, animal husbandry, or another form of healing - but this is not the only way a hedgewitch can serve her or his community.

Ancestor veneration. Most hedgewitches honor and work with their ancestors. They may petition them for help with crossing the hedge, to clarify information, or to ask for help with healing or for general guidance.

Those are the core practices of hedgecraft. While how they are incorporated into individual practice can vary, each of the above will usually show up in one form or another. In addition to those core practices the following may be included with greater variance:

Ritual structure. There is no common ritual structure, however, many hedgewitches do not preform ceremonial or elaborate rituals, and instead prefer simple, informal, and sometimes unstructured and spontaneous rites, celebrations, and magical workings. Some hedgewitches do use more formal methods on occasions. Some use more traditional methods to mark sacred space (you may see a hedgewitch talk about laying a compass rose, or preforming a Hammer Rite, among other terms), some enjoy casting a Wiccan circle, others have more informal methods. The specifics of such things are personal and vary from hedgewitch to hedgewitch.

Shrines, altars, and tools. Shrines and altars, if used, follow no common layout - they are as individual as the hedgewitch who creates them. Hedgewitches don't usually use many tools, and the ones they do use tend to be practical and simple (and are often handmade - but that is not a requirement). A walking stick, drums and rattles, a knife to cut herbs or carve with, or a pouch to carry odds and ends, a chalice or drinking horn. Stangs are popular among hedgewitches - a stang is a staff (occasionally a smaller wand) with a fork at the top. They serve as walking sticks, and can be driven into the ground to become an altar of sorts, or http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifto mark the working space (usually the center), or used as an aid in crossing the hedge. (For more information on the stang, please see this post.)

Gods and spirituality. Another topic that is totally up to the individual. Some hedgewitches work with the pantheon(s) of their ancestors, others do not. Some are drawn to Gods and Goddesses of wild places or animals, others to Deities who rule over the magical arts, and some are more drawn to psychopomps. Some may simply honor the great spirit or Deity in general, others may not focus on Deity at all. Some have only one patron, others work with a Goddess/God pair, or any other number of Deities. Some are hard polytheists, some soft, some pantheists, some panentheists, deists or agnostic. How one worships, if they choose to, is just as individual.

Holidays. Although there can be variance in holidays as well, a number of Hedgewitches follow the same Wheel of the Year that most Wiccans are familiar with - that is the solstices and equinoxes, as well as the cross-quarter days. How exactly they are celebrated may differ, but a lot of the themes remain the same. For example, Samhain is still seen as a time when the boundary between the worlds is thin, as well as a time to honor the dead and make offerings to the ancestors. However, for most hedgewitches the Goddess/God mythos of Wicca does not play a part (although it may for some). In addition, the cycles of the moon are usually noted and may be celebrated as well.

Ethical codes. There is no common code of ethics, no redes or creeds - this is entirely personal. However, many who practice hedgecraft consider the command to "know thyself" to be important to their craft as hedgewitches mold their spiritual path to fit their needs. What exactly a hedgewitch chooses to study or focus on is up to them. They must know their own strengths and weaknesses, and the boundary of their ability - and how/when to push that boundary.

As you can see, while there are several core practices that hedgewitches have in common (again, many would argue that the shamanic aspect is the most essential - you can not have hedgecraft without it), it is also a highly personalized path. The big picture may share all the same main elements, but the details are painted in by each individual witch as they walk their path, each putting their own design or mark on the picture.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

2011-06-05T20:43:00.003-04:00

June's just begun, but already rhubarb is coming up in the garden, and fresh strawberries are being sold in local markets. It's time to bring out an old favorite...

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
1 9" unbaked pie crust
1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, (peeled if you like) cut up into bite sized chunks
3 cups fresh strawberries, cut into slightly bigger pieces
1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp corn starch
1 tsp almond extract

Crumble Topping
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup cold butter

Because both strawberries and rhubarb give off a lot of water, I toss them with two tablespoons of sugar and let them sit for about 15 minutes. Drain the liquid that comes out. This helps the pie from being too watery.

Mix the egg, sugar, corn starch, and almond extract. Toss the strawberry and rhubarb with this mixture. Spoon the strawberries and rhubarb into the pie shell, being careful not to include too much extra liquid.

Mix the flour, brown sugar, and oats in a small bowl. Cut in the butter until crumbly, and sprinkle it over the pie. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling bubbling.

Now the hard part - allow the pie to cool completely before cutting. Great alone, or served with ice cream, whipped cream, or a little drizzle of warm maple syrup.

A few definitions.

2011-06-01T17:38:00.006-04:00

Here are a few brief definitions of terms that may pop up often, for those who may not be very familiar with the various terms of paganism.

Pagan / Paganism: Paganism is not a specific religion in itself (although some do choose to identify simply as 'pagan'), but rather an umbrella term that covers many different religions - religions which can be vastly different from each other. For example, an individual pagan could self-identify as a pantheist, panentheist, polytheist, animist, duotheist, or even agnostic or atheist in some cases. They may have very different moral values, ideas on the afterlife, ritual structure, holidays, and so on. Since paganism covers such a broad grouping of traditions and individuals, there are no beliefs or practices that are common to all pagans.

There's a little joke among pagans that should always be kept in mind - if you ask 5 different pagans a question, you'll get 6 different answers.

Wicca: One of the most well known pagan religions. It was founded by Gerald Gardner, and popularized by him in the 1950s. Although Gardner claimed it was a continuation of an ancient pre-Christian religion, there is no real evidence to support this. Instead, Wicca is now seen by most as a modern tradition that pulls from several ancient religions, as well as some forms of ceremonial magic. While it is a young religion, this is no reason to dismiss it outright - after all, all religions were young at one point. Wicca is the name of the tradition, a Wiccan is a practitioner of Wicca. (Think Christianity/ Christian - Wicca/ Wiccan)

Wiccans often (but not always) worship a God and Goddess, honor the cycles of nature, adhere to the threefold law, and follow the Wiccan rede to some degree. There are quite a few traditions of Wicca, including Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Seax, Georgian, Blue Star, eclectic... - the specific beliefs of each will vary from tradition to tradition. (Similar to the various sects of Christianity - Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Anglican, Lutherans, etc. All slightly different, yet all still Christians.)

All Wiccans are pagans, but not all pagans are Wiccan.

Witchcraft: Most Wiccans also consider themselves witches, but not all witches are Wiccans. There are a growing number of non-Wiccan witches in paganism. There are a number of traditions of witchcraft - such as hedgecraft, green witchcraft, and kitchen witchcraft.

What follows is what I would hope is an obvious statement, but... Witchcraft is not how Hollywood/the media frequently portrays it. As much as I wish I could, I can not wiggle my nose or wave a wand around and turn someone into a newt. (Rest assured, if you are ever turned into a newt by a witch, you'll probably get better.) To some witchcraft is a spiritual practice, inseparable from their religion/spirituality. For others it is a craft with little to no overlap.

Hedgecraft: A path that is a blend of traditional witchcraft and shamanic elements. The hedge refers to the boundary between the worlds (called the veil by some pagans), and trance work is used to cross that boundary to work with spirits and the ancestors. A hedgewitch generally has a focus on nature (especially the wild parts of it), works with spirits, has knowledge of herbs and plants, and often are solitary - although not always. Again, you will find a few variations on this practice.
(Please see the longer post "What is a Hedgewitch?" for more information.)

Kitchen / Hearth / Cottage Witchcraft: A form of witchcraft that has a focus on the home and family. Rituals tend to be fairly informal, and whatever materials are at hand will be used. Herbs and cooking usually play a role in this practice. Sometimes minor differences are noted between the three paths, and other times you may see these terms being used interchangeably.

Reconstructionism: This is the practice of reconstructing one of the ancient pagan religions (such as that of Greece or Egypt) for practice in the modern world. Some prefer the term 'revival' to reconstruction.

Eclecticism: An eclectic follows a mix of different traditions. They do not look to any single source, but instead pull from many to create a unique path for themselves.

Solitary: A solitary is a pagan who practices alone rather than with a group, either by their own choice, or by force (due to lack of other pagans in the area, for example).

Kemet / Kemetic: Kemet is what the ancient Egyptians called their land. The word translates to 'black land' in reference to the black fertile soil along the Nile river. (As opposed to the deshret, the red land that was the desert.) Kemetic can be translated to "Egyptian."

Proto-Indo-Europeans: The Proto-Indo-Eurpoeans (PIE) were a group of loosely related peoples, who spoke Proto-Indo-European, who likely lived around 4000 BC. Much of what we know about them comes from reconstruction through their descendant groups. For more information, Wiki has a fairly good article. For a bit more on the subject of PIE paganism, please see http://www.ceisiwrserith.com/pier/index.htm

Welcome!

2011-06-01T15:28:00.005-04:00

I should probably start this off with a little about myself, to give an idea of where I'm coming from, and what this blog will be about.

I was born and raised by my Grandparents in rural New Hampshire, and have recently moved back to the state after spending the last five years in Olympia, Washington. I live with my fiance (and our dog, a papillon) in a small apartment. I enjoy hiking, biking, geocaching, nature walks, foraging, swimming, gardening, reading, writing, cooking and baking, music, painting, and various crafts such as making jewelry, candles, and incense. Studying world history, cultures and religion are passions of mine.

I am a pagan - more specifically a hedgewitch. I have belonged to one pagan tradition or another since December of 1998. I was quite young at the time, and very lucky to have a family that supported me in my spiritual journey. Like many others Wicca was the first pagan tradition I studied. While I am no longer a Wiccan (and have not been for many years), it is still an influence in some aspects of my spiritual life today.

It was during my study of Wicca that the Netjeru, the Gods of ancient Egypt, first called to me. I started to study the religion of ancient Egypt, as well as continuing to study other religions. I was an eclectic pagan to be sure, but always with heavy Kemetic (Egyptian) leanings. Those leanings eventually gave way to Kemetic reconstruction in late 2003. During this time I was still a practicing eclectic witch, but was keeping my craft separate from my religion.

In 2005 I joined the Kemetic Orthodox religion, where I remained until August of 2007. I ended up leaving due to quite a few issues I had with the organization, which I will not elaborate on here. I still have many friends in the faith, but it just was not at all where I belonged.

I did not return to reconstruction after leaving Kemetic Orthodoxy. I spiritually wandered for a few months, and in December of 2007 I turned to hedgecraft, or rather, was called to it.

It was during this last year (2011) that I turned my devotion to Artemis, who had been subtly present since my departure from reconstructionism, with that subtle presence becoming less and less subtle over the months.

This blog will be a place for me to write about my personal spiritual journey and experiences, as well as a place to provide information, recipes and craft ideas that I hope will be useful to pagans and non-pagans alike.