Diana's Muse -- The Everyday Life of a Strega High Priestess

Cleasing and Renewal - December to February

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:15:00 +0000

I always think of the December as a time to sit back and relax with family and friends. It's a time of giving and sharing and getting away from the every day. As the sun wanes to the shortest day (or longest night) of the year, I use that energy to cut ties, cleanse, and let go of those thing that need to be left behind. This past year the waning moon energy that occurred around the same time empowered all those efforts, as well as any cursing that needed to be done (to know the healing arts, one must also know how to curse). Cursing is, of course, a rare occurrence, but if oneself or one's family is threatened or harmed, then one is in her right to defend herself and her family. Of course, sometimes things just seem to work themselves out. It's nice when one has family Gods to petition (part of that whole rapport with Deity thing I teach my students), and the longest night is a good time for endings.

As the New Year rolls around, some energies begin to wind up, but others still seem to withdrawal. The ones that are winding up are the planning energies, the seeds that are born during this time of things to do, ideas to put into action for the coming year (like the garden!). Yet as we get nearer to February and/or the second lunar month of the year, there is almost a complusary desire to cleanse, similar to December's, but in a different way. February has always been a month of endings too, as it was once the last month in the Roman calendar. Note that the Zodiac also ends with Pisces around that same time. See my previous post on the Somber Events of February. The second lunar month of the year is a time to honor the deceased ancestors, the Manes. Last year I posted about the Parentalia, an ancient Roman observance we still honor today.

This past weekend I honored the Dark Moon, Scuro di Luna, with all the Clarian initiates. It was cold, and yet the message that came through was that the cold is like the darkness. It is a time for renewal, of getting rid of that which you no longer need so that you can come forth vibrant and renewed. I am prepared for the coming events of this somber lunar month and the further cleansing that must occur in February. We continue these ancient rites and traditions, as our ancestors before us. We honor our ancestors who give us strength in life.

Birth of My Godson

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:37:00 +0000

My Godson, Alexander, was born during the full moon in November. His mother, Candra, woke up early in the morning the day before, feeling the beginning surges that would bring him into the world. Candra and Aquilus spent that day together excited to meet their son. I anxiously awaited phone calls with updates on the status. And so it went, with Candra's earthy nature, things took a little while to really ramp up. I assumed as much and went to bed early, at 9pm. Around 2:30am I get a call from a very chipper Candra saying she and her entire family were heading to the hospital. From the sound of her voice and her reassurance not to rush, I decided to take my time. I arrived at the hospital around 3:30am. Candra was doing well, and the energies were beginning to swirl about her.

At 4am, she got decided to spend some time soaking in the hot tub. We spent two hours there chatting about politics and other mentally stimulating subjects. She only paused every couple of minutes or so during a contraction.

At 6am, she decided to walk around a bit, to get things moving. I offered my guided visualization/hypnosis skills, which she gladly accepted. With each contraction, I opened up the channel and guided the loving, supportive energy of Diana Claria through Candra. I compounded that with "opening" suggestions and visuals. Things progressed more quickly after that. I loved watching her "dance the baby out." She engaged in a subconscious practice of spiraling the hips, an ancient belly dance movement, which facilitates birthing. It was beautiful!

Around 8am Candra experienced what should have been a 20 minute transition, which included 2 cm of dilation and her water breaking, in about 2 minutes! It was intense. The energies swirling about her moved more rapidly, drawing even upon energies from the room. I had to keep myself consistently connected to the Two Suns (Above and Below) in order to maintain my own energy.

Soon she was pushing. Aquilus held one leg with each push, and a kind nurse the other. I stayed at her shoulder offering the power of my words, and loving energy from my hands, and an almost unconscious low moan to keep her own moans at a lower pitch (easier for pushing out babies that way, in lieu of a high pitched squeal, which prevents the energy from moving down and out the birth canal). The same had happened at my friends childbirth the previous month, and it ended up at both childbirths sounding almost like a very low chant.

At about five minutes before 9am, I told Candra's mother that the baby might be born at 9:23am. That's the time Sophia was born, only in the evening. She only laughed, because at the rate things had gone before, it didn't seem likely to her. Candra didn't even make it to 9:23am. She gave birth to Alexander at 9:15am, totally naturally, and he weighed a whopping 9lbs, 10.5oz! He was huge! She tore a bit, but was otherwise in the best of health, alert and aglow with her initiation into motherhood. I was elated to be at the birth of my godson, in the presence of those ancient spirits, the Matronae, and the Birthing Goddess, Diana Claria, at the liminal time of life itself. To be present at that magical moment when life enters into the light was absolutely amazing! Candra is an inspiration to all women who wish to experience natural child birth.

Six Random Things Meme

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:27:00 +0000

Inanna, Cosette, and Chell all tagged me for this meme. Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

1) I've been a vegetarian since I was 14. I was basically born a vegetarian, so it wasn't hard to "give up" meat. I never really cared for the stuff, and I feel it may be something I've carried with me from previous lives. I can't understand what it is like to crave a steak, as it's always been more of a punishment to me than a gift, when taken to steak dinners as a child. I have no explanation. It is what it is.

2) I love coffee. I love the taste, the smell, the look, the experience, everything about it. I even do decaf on occasion, and all is in moderation. For my 8 year anniversary this last September, my husband and I purchased a higher end coffee, espresso, capuccino maker from Capresso. It totally rocks!

3) I love animals. All of them. Even the stinky ones. I volunteer for them when I am able to, and I consider myself an advocate of animals. It sort of goes along with the whole oath to the Goddess Diana and all that, being that I am a priestess of Hers and all.

4) I'm an Arbonne consultant. You know, one of those folks to does home skin care presentations. Arbonne's skin care and health products totally rock! (Otherwise I wouldn't be a consultant for them). It's all 100% vegan and all natural, and after years of fruitlessly combing through natural food stores looking for quality vegan skin care, I was pretty pleased to discover Arbonne. Now I just have fun doing parties and playing with my toys. It's like Christmas at my house whenever a new shipment arrives. This is just another way I serve my Goddess, by using products that aren't cruel to Her beloved animals.

5) When I was 13 I was one of the 9 winners out of 90 submissions to the Philadelphia Young Playwrights Festival. It was a play about the creation of cats by Zeus to please a mortal woman he was wooing.

6) I used to play the upright bass in band, orchestra and ensemble in high school :-)

Okay. I tag these fun and informative folks: Lover of Strife, Goddess of Art, Livia Indica, Mystical Jett, Pietra, & Bri the Pie Guy.

Birth

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:58:00 +0000

One of the many projects that has consumed my time as of late is the expansion of my holistic health practice. I've branched out and taken on a partner in a new venture that falls into alignment with my spiritual values. While the overall purpose of this new venture is applying hypnosis and other holistic techniques to improve the quality of life, particularly of families, we've chosen to focus on the beginning of life. Candra, my partner, compliments my holistic background with her scientific training as a physical therapist. Her earthy, practical nature also compliments (and grounds) my geminid nature. Together we've developed a new birthing method that brings mind, body, and spirit into harmony and prepares women and their partners who want to experience natural childbirth.

So far I'm really impressed with the results of what we are doing. Our friends have gratefully been willing participants at this early juncture. Candra herself is in her ninth month of pregnancy, and will be the final test case. We will have had different levels of involvement in the various pregnancies. The last one was the most intense.

A friend of mine was very much interested in a natural childbirth experience after feeling she had been robbed of that experience the first time around by unnecessary interventions. She was open-minded and definitely goal-oriented toward having a better experience. Candra and I worked our magic (figuratively, but it was magical nonetheless) by presenting her with the knowledge that enabled her to tap into her own inner power, using the power of her mind and her spiritual connections, to allow her body to open to its natural rhythms.

We also assisted at her birth, which was a home birth. It was AMAZING! It was my first experience at a birth other than when I gave birth to Sophia. It was truly a magical experience. The energy that moves through a birthing woman is absolutely incredible. The miracle that takes place is a moving testament to the sublime. I used the power of words to bring the mind into harmony with the spirit body and emotional body. I used the power of touch to move energies and release tension.

I arrived at my birthing friend's house at 2:40am or so, only a few minutes after the midwife arrived, and she gave birth at 3:39am, completely naturally in the comfort of her own home. It was incredible. I could feel the power and presence of the three Goddesses and Diana Claria, who is always with me, but very much involved in the process, which is Her forte. I was a priestess in a way I have never been before. I want to bring this beautiful experience to other women. I had such a wonderful experience myself when I gave birth to my daughter. All women who so desire should have a magical initiation into motherhood as I did, as my friend did this second time around. It's time we reclaim this incredible process and revivify it with the magic that it truly is.

Candra will be giving birth in the next few weeks. I am so happy that I will be able to be there for her and Aquilus to assist in the beautiful birth of my godson. May Diana Claria share Her love and guidance with us.

501(c)3

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:38:00 +0000

After two years of intensive work, the Clarian Temple of the Religio Terranova is now a federal 501(c)3 non-profit organization! According to our bylaws, we are able to charter individual orders, such as the Order of the Evening Star, in any state. Our clergy are able to perform weddings in any state, and we can ordain clergy in any state. And, of course, all donations are 100% tax deductible!

Whew! My thanks (grazie!) to our high priest, Lord Ardeo Claria, and two of our fine intitiates, Candra and Aquilus, for all your hard work and perservance. We wouldn't be where we are today without you. Our prayers were answered, and now our service to the Gods can be done at a new level.

Beloved Gods of our ancestors, may Your priests and priestesses serve You well...

Better Days

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:20:00 +0000

October is nearing its end, and I feel as though I am finally managing my time better. This semester I definitely bit off more than I could chew as far as taking on extra work. Unfortunately, extra curricular things I enjoy, such as my blog, took a bit of a hiatus. Fortunately I'm back on track now and very much looking forward to mid-December.

In the interim some wonderful things have occurred, and I will post about them individually.

May you reconnect well to your ancestors at this time when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest.

Loss of Sister Strega and Elder

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:08:00 +0000

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of a sister Strega and Elder over the Western Sea to the Blessed Isles. I am forever grateful to Lady Chiara, for providing me with the connection to a beautiful tradition and ancient family of Streghe. Her sacred power lives on and flows through me and the others in her line. May she be blessed with the sweet bliss of the Gods, guided by the light of her Lares.

From Lori Bruno:

In Honor and Memory of Chiara Di Luna (Robin Massaro)
Coven of Sacred Stone of Plantation/Sunrise, FL.

We are here for such a short time we come from many places our lives are marked by many trials and tribulations before we come into the Light. But there are those individuals which from those trials and tribulations carry a Light to inspire those who come to them, such was our departed Sister, Reverend, High Priestess Robin Massaro / Chiara Di Luna of the Coven of Sacred Stone of Plantation / Sunrise, FL..

She was born to this physical world on 5-May-1956 and on 6-Sept-2008 at 9:50 PM now walks with the Mighty Ones they welcome her, they Robe her with the mantel of Eternal Light, they have prepared for her the Feast of Feasts ~ She is Whole!

They sing the song of Rebirth and she will return in time to those whom she loves in a new life and may she remember ~ Viva Figlia Benedezino Sempre ~ You have come home to be reborn there is mourning there and joy, you are one with the Moon and the Sun.

Viva Bella Filgia Di Madre

Survived by Jade Morrisey [Daughter] and her husband Sean Morrisey and their daughter, her granddaughter Jayla-Lee Morrisey, her son Jeffery Massaro and his wife Sharmain and their son, her grandson Jevin Massaro, followed by her second daughter Jacquline Summers and her other son Jason Cook and his daughter, her granddaughter Justyce Cook.

Our Lord and Lady of the Trinacrian Rose Church
Temple of Diana
Sacred Circles’ Coven

Award!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:48:00 +0000

It is so incredibly sweet that Murciélago at The Waxing Goddess has nominated Diana's Muse for the "I Love Your Blog" award. Thanks!

So here are the rules:

1. The winner can put the logo on her/his blog
2. Link the person you received the award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message on the blogs nominated

Here are my seven nominations:

1) Pandora's Bazaar: A fabulous blog by Cosette that is down-to-earth and educational.
2) Lover of Strife: An incredibly entertaining blog by Evn that always lifts my spirits.
3) Stregeria Practica: A beautiful blog by my Brazilian Strega sister, Pietra.
4) Pagan Dad: A wonderful blog on Pagan Parenting by a Pagan Dad.
5) Chell's Roost: Recently changed to "Paper May", a very well-organized and excellent read.
6) At the End of Desire: A Pagan blog by Innana that I always enjoy reading.
7) Hawk's Cry: Number 7 because of his association with the Patron of Gens Claria, Apollo, is Rev. Morning Hawk Apollo's blog, which is highly insightful and full of wonderful tidbits of Pagan parenting.

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful dedication to blogging and acting as excellent examples of Pagan Blogs.

Vinalia

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:29:00 +0000

My personal life has become overloaded with various tasks that need to be done both spiritually and mundanely. I fortunately find that most of everything I do has a spiritual bend, even if it does not appear that way on the outside. I have two business ventures in the works that are in alignment with my personal and spiritual philosophies. Eventually, with the blessing of the Gods, I hope that they will give me the freedom of both time and money to funnel into long-term spiritual projects I have dreamed about for years. The energies around me seem to be pushing the two along and providing me with ample opportunities to facilitate their growth. Never overlook Fortuna, or She will overlook you. I am grateful for the all the opportunities I have. It's just managing them along with all my other responsibilities that can be difficult, plus finding some rest time in there as well. I don't always realize just how much I do, until someone sees my calendar (I can pencil you in around October, and that's filling up fast!).

This weekend, though busy, was busy in a good way. We celebrated our annual Vinalia festival, which is a compilation of Vertumnalia, the Vinalia Rustica, Consualia, and Opsiconsiva, all which would be impossible for us to celebrate in one month. We celebrate the Vinalia in remembrance of ancient Rome when the first wine of the year was brought into Rome on August 19th. Vertumnalia was traditionally August 19th and was a day to honor both Vertumnus and Pomona for the fruit harvest. Consualia took place at the Circus Maximus, where the altar to Consus stood covered with earth all days of the year except the Consualia and during horse races. It took place on August 21st, and all equine beasts of burden are given vacation from labors and decked with garlands. The Opsiconsiva on August 25th was a day to honor Ops, the Goddess of provisions. We honor all these deities in a beautiful ritual followed by a feast of fresh vegetables, fruity desserts, wine, and sensual dancing for this is also a time to honor Venus in her sensuality, as wine and sensuality go hand in hand.

We had a wonderful turnout with special guests from a local Gardnerian grove, who have become our good friends. The ritual was vibrant with good energy, and Gods came through strongly. Afterwards the feast was fabulous with good food, some very good wine (and non-alcoholic drinks as well), and fruity desserts. Yum! We had a wonderful fire, which we enjoyed out on the patio. We often have fire dancing at our feasts, but this time everyone drank a lot of wine, so we were a bit more mellow.

IO Vinalia!

Neptunalia and the Strega

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:54:00 +0000

"O God, who with a nod can stir the ocean foam, You Neptunus, who with Your Salacia encompass the lands of the earth, hear my prayer and grant me Your indulgence." ~ Valerius Flaccus Argo. I.194-6

On July 23rd we mark the annual festival of the Neptunalia in honor of, you guessed it, Neptunus Pater, a.k.a Father Neptune or Padre Nettuno in Stregheria. This ancient festival has been observed since anyone can remember, even the Romans. Today we streghe continue this ancient observation in honor of the great god, Neptune, but not in the city wide splendor once seen in Rome. Nowadays, once a year, Clarians make a pilgrimage to a body of water in order to perform our rites. Of course we are not limited to visiting bodies of water once a year, but we do take the time out during the window of this festival in order to commune with our beloved Neptune, who provides us with the secrets of the sea and the magical mysteries of water.

Sometimes we will travel out to the Jersey Shore, but staying there is quite expensive. I'd love to go to Lake Champlain again, as I felt His presence there very strongly during my last visit. We stayed at a wonderful bed & breakfast on the lake, and it was just amazing. What a powerful and sacred place.

This year in light of gas prices and the expense of the shore, we opted to visit Lake Jean in Central Pennsylvania. It's a beautiful spot in a state park surrounded by extensive trails jeweled with pristine waterfalls. We stayed at a fabulous bed and breakfast, which I highly recommend, and enjoyed a side trip to Knoebels, an incredibly fun (and cheap) amusement park set within a cool and comforting grove of hardwoods. We all appreciated that, and Sophia enjoyed the children's rides as well as the lake and waterfalls. She's still talking about it.

Bee Balm we discovered on our hike

Neptune is often equated with Poseidon, and though They share many attributes, Poseidon was much more bound to the Sea than Neptune. Neptune is the God of All Waters. He is the God of the oceans, seas, rivers, lakes and streams. He is present through his sons, who guard each body of water independently. Of course each body of water is also blessed with the presence of water sprites who love to play and long-haired nymphs whose beauty is embodied by the waters. When you look out upon a breath-taking view of a watery scene, that feeling of awe and wonder is a gift to you from the nymphs who give life to it.

Padre Nettuno, Neptunus Pater, God of the oceans, seas, rivers and streams. God of lakes and earthquakes. Earth-shaker, Earth-holder, Preventer of Slips, Raiser of Plants, Lord of Horses. May your essence be with us today and every day, Your strength, healing, understanding, compassion, prophecy, inspiration and metamorphoses. May all we do today bring honor You, and may all of our successes be Your offerings, for we adore You!

Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:25:00 +0000

The other night while having dinner in our sun room, I spied a blond colored cat making its way through our neighbor's yard. As it entered our yard and closer to the sun room, I was able to see that it was extremely scrawny and weathered. It couldn't even walk straight, and just in walking through my yard managed to stumble and fall (this is a cat we're talking about!). As I observed this cat, I felt a twinge of something inside me say that this may be that poor kitty's last day. I felt such an overwhelming sadness come over me at the thought, and I immediately rushed to the kitchen to poor a bowl of food. I ran out the front door, so as not to frighten the poor puss, and I quietly rounded the house to the driveway where the kitty was. I threw some food onto the driveway and put the bowl down. I ran back in through the front door and to the sun room to observe. The kitty ate some of the pieces of food I tossed onto the driveway, but they began to walk away. I ran to the front door again and outside, and said, "psssssstttt," for the kitty's attention. I threw more food onto the driveway, but kitty just hunkered down and sprinted off. I put the bowl down where the kitty had walked through the driveway, figuring if kitty doesn't come back and eat it, I'm sure the fox would. The next day the food bowl was empty, and I had filled it up pretty well, but I have not seen that poor kitty since.

I have a special place in my heart for animals (and children too). I volunteered for several years at a local no-kill animal rescue organization, cleaning cages primarily and also taking photographs of new kitties for the website. When Sophia is a little older, we'll start volunteering more of our time. I give money to a few good organizations that help animals, and I was even lucky enough (or divinely guided enough) to spontaneously happen upon a prominent animal organization in the heart of Rome, when I was visiting there.

I believe it is our duty to care for those who need our help, whenever we can. With the Goddess, Diana, as the Matron of mia famiglia, my gens, my family, it is no wonder why animals and children hold a special place in that desire. Another part of that reason is that animals (and children) do not have the same ability to choose a situation as adult humans do.

Choice is an amazing aspect of our freedom as humans, and our choices impact our lives every day. The life I live today is a result of the many choices I have made, many of which have hopefully been in harmony and balance with the energy of the universe around me. I believe that is why I have a good life, a happy life. I could have made many different choices and be in a different spot today. Too often people give away power or don't own up to personal responsibility using the excuse, "it's his fault," or "her fault," or "their fault," or "something outside of myself's fault," when in fact a series of choices is the real culprit. Who made those choices? When we take responsibility for our actions, our selves, and our choices, we begin to reclaim our power instead of freely handing it over to others.

Epictetus, an ancient Stoic philosopher, is credited with one of my favorite quotes, "he is not free, who is not master of himself." Much of the Clarian philosophy is in line with Stoic thought. We cannot control what happens around us or the actions of those around us, but we can control our own actions and how we react to the actions of others. Accepting that thought certainly takes the stress out of everyday life. You can get pissed off at the person who cut you off in traffic, but you have no control over what has been done, only the getting pissed off part. So why do it?

With all this power, then why do people make some of the stupid choices they make? I dated a real loser in my early college years. I could have married him and had a few kids, perhaps dropped out of college, or made a series of really bad choices. I'd definitely be in a different spot today, if I did. I am grateful for the life I have, for the opportunities afforded to me, which I attribute to divine connection (and the fact I actually acted upon those opportunities, again a choice), and the choices I made to lead me here.

I feel bad for animals and children who don't necessarily have the same opportunities to make the types of choices that we do. That poor kitty couldn't go out and put in applications for employment to improve his situation. He did the best he could, and was probably someone's abandoned/abused pet or the offspring of such a pet. He was making the best choices he could.

A few months ago I was amused and pleased to find that at Sophia's school they don't have traditional time-outs with a focus on punishment for doing something wrong. They focus on "making better choices." there is even a "time-out chair" with the title written on it, "Making better choices chair." When students in Sophia's class do well, they get a smiley face put on the big poster by their name. When they had a rough day, there is a little sign instead that says, "I will try harder to make better choices." The teaching emphasizes choice, which empowers, and it works.

Apollo Clarius and the Month of July

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:20:00 +0000

Today is the first day of Apollo's sacred month, the month of July. In the Clarian Tradition, each solar month is sacred to one of twelve Gods, and each lunar month is sacred to one of twelve Goddesses, excepting those years where there are 13 lunar months in the year, in which case there is a 13th goddess whom we honor. Those years with 13 full moons only occur once every three or so years. Twelve moons in a year is more common. I have no idea how the idea that there are 13 moons every year came into being, but if you take a look at your own calendar for 2008, there will only be twelve full moons. We follow the Metonic Cycle, so named after the Athenian astronomer who first recorded it.

All that having been said (whew!), on the first day of each month (solar or lunar), we make an offering to that month's Deity. The month of July is sacred to Apollo in my tradition, so this day we leave offerings and give special thanks to the Patron of our line.

Traditionally, the month of July also held a special event dedicated to Apollo called the Ludi Apollinaris, or the Games of Apollo, which was held July 6th-13th. We mark that time intellectually today, and perhaps in the future there might be a weekend event in honor of this ancient observation. As most of us are Americans or living in America, we incorporate national holidays sometimes into our religious calendar. The 4th of July is one of the most sacred holidays to an American and also happens to fall fairly close to the Ludi Apollinaris. Clarian folks tend to gather on the 4th, and we tend toward celebrating the 4th alongside our Divine Patron, Apollo. We stay away from personal fireworks, which damage the environment, are dangerous, and not appreciated by our canine friends. Fireworks are therefore not the best way of honoring the Brother of the Queen of the Fairies, Diana Claria, who is an environmentalist at heart and a particular fan of dogs. Instead we light a small bonfire and celebrate through dance and flame, offering our divinely inspired motion to the Golden One.

The following is from my personal prayer book:

"Beloved Golden Eye of Day, Apollo, Beautiful Apollo Clarius! God of light and prophecy. God of music and poetry. God of healing. Apollo Rex, Divine Sun King and Companion of the Muses. May your essence be with us this day and always. Your strength, healing, prophecy and musical talents. May all that we do bring honor to You, oh Great Sun God, and may all of our successes be Your offerings, for we adore You!"

Blessings of the Golden God upon you and your families for a wonderful and prosperous month!

The Lucaria -- Summer Solstice

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:36:00 +0000

On Saturday members of The Order of the Evening Star and friends gathered to celebrate a Roman summer solstice, the Lucaria.

The Lucaria originally took place in a grove ('lucus') between the Via Salaria and the Tiber. The exact meaning of the festival has been forgotten over time. It may have been a celebration in honor of the Genii Loci (protector spirits of places) of the woods and groves close to the 'lucus' or Leucaria (mother of Roma) and Rhea Silvia (mother of Romulus and Remus). It has been thought that the 'lucus' was the place where fleeing Romans found shelter after a harsh battle of the Allia.

For Clarian Streghe this is a time to honor the woodlands and the spirits that protect them, the Genii Loci or the Fae as they are known in English. It is important that we develop a good relationship with the Genii Loci of the land on which we live. This day is known as Midsummer to most of the English-speaking world, and we honor this day in a similar manner, honoring the Apollo at his Zenith, the sacrificial God, Bacchus, and the Earth Goddess, Ceres, pregnant with the harvest.

Our ritual went very well. It includes a ritual drama, and some folks said it was the most moving Lucaria we've ever had. We were blessed with good people, food, drink, conversation, children, an outside fire, fire dancing/spinning and the blessed light of Diana Claria, our Beloved Matron.

Below is some fire photography by Candra Claria:

Our high priest, Lord Ardeo Claria, looks through the fire vortex.

Diana's Firebow

Capturing the Phoenix

Fire Ecstasy

The Power of Ancient Temples

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:57:00 +0000

I was recently reminiscing on my last trip to Italy. Lupa, a young reconstructionist and priestess of Apollo and Diana, is heading to Greece next week for her first time. I wanted to send her a bon voyage on her journey and shared the below with her:

"The ancient temples still have power. When I was visiting Italy, I spent some time at the Temple of Apollo Medicus in Rome and the Sanctuary of Apollo at Cuma. One of our initiates suffered from "Apollo's Curse," temporal lobe epilepsy. She gave me an offering to make for her at Apollo's Sanctuary. I spent some time in prayer at both places and left her offering at the Sanctuary. I took a special stone I found at the Sanctuary back for her to place on her altar. Today she no longer suffers from epilepsy and needs no medication. We are all very grateful to Apollo for healing her."

Yes, the ancient temples still have power. They may been seen by some as mere ruins, perhaps of historical interest, but there is still a mystical power there. People gathered at those locations for hundreds, if not thousands of years, to pay homage to a particular deity. The divine energy of the god or goddess is drawn to the place where offerings are made of ritual, dance, and food. Their divine energy, their numen, permeates the area: the stones, the plants, the animals. That energy, the divine life force, is still very much present in those areas. In the case of a healing god, Apollo, there is great healing power, as we have seen.

Today those places of power are wonderful points for pilgrimage. We can also build our own shining temples. As Lori Bruno told me today, "someday there will be shining temples of the Goddess." She is right. As our numbers grow in strength, and our cores consist of committed and stable individuals, then our ability to bring these visions into reality increases dramatically.

For now, devoting our attentions to a select few gods and performing their rites on a regular basis will bring their numen into the place where we convene, be it a temple, a covenstead, a rented facility or a place outdoors. That place becomes holy with the presence of the Gods.

Reconnecting

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:10:00 +0000

The Faery Seership weekend intensive was just that, intensive. If you've ever spent any time with Orion Foxwood, then you would understand. Just being around the man for a brief period of time is a moving experience.

We hadn't had a gathering like that in some time. Orion had been doing more introductory workshops, so this was the first time all the advanced students had gathered in a while. It felt good to reconnect with everyone. Sometimes I don't realize that I've missed someone until I see them again. I know that sounds strange, and perhaps is a result of my water enhanced Geminid nature. Several of the advanced faery seership students are also members of Foxwood Temple of the Old Religion. I've known them for a decade now, and it's always great to see them again.

I'm not sure what it is, but recently I've felt an inner drive to reconnect with magical people I haven't connected with in a while or have lost connection with some time ago. So be aware, if you are one of those people, I will be contacting you soon.

Faery Good Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:32:00 +0000

I'm very excited about the weekend. Ardeo and I are going down to Maryland for a weekend intensive advanced Faery Seership workshop with Orion Foxwood. We've been taking Orion's Faery Seership training since its inception, and it's incredibly powerful. It's helped us to enrich our own experiences and works well with our Italian Faery Tradition. It's a pleasure in and of itself to sit at the feet of Orion as a student. He is one of my most esteemed teachers, and I respect him greatly. Years ago he lived at Moonridge Ranch, which was a home, a covenstead and a conference center that brought in many wonderful teachers such as Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki and R. J. Stewart. Ardeo and I were married there on that land in September of 2000. Sadly, as it was a joint effort between a small few, the Ranch was sold. The workshops continue on elsewhere, and I am grateful for that. If you are interested in working with Faery beings, I highly suggest you read Orion's book, "The Faery Teachings." It is definitely worth a read and a valuable addition to any personal library.

I'm also excited about this weekend, because it will be the first weekend that I will be away with my hot husband without our daughter since she was born. Our good friends, fellow initiates, and "godparents" to Sophia will be staying with her at our house for the weekend. I'm excited and nervous about it at the same time. I'll probably call several times, but it will be so nice to sleep in and just have some healthy husband and wife time.

Ambarvalia and the Genii Loci

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:55:00 +0000

Last night we marked the Ambarvalia with a garden blessing evoking the protection of Father Mars upon our garden (the children of Ceres) and inviting the genii loci to nurture the budding foliage. It was quite nice, as the event fell on a Thursday when we have students over to receive Teachings. As a group they were able to not only witness the rite, but participate as well. The rite incorporated a chant and a dance around the perimeter of the garden with wooden flute accompaniment and very loud metal drum banging. I'm sure our neighbors were entertained, if not annoyed. It was fun, and Sophia helped by handing me the offerings we poured over the stone marking the Mundus (an opening into the Underworld similar to a faery cairn).

Later I led a meditation with the advanced students with the intention to forge some new connections with the local land spirits and strengthen our current ones. It helped to attract more beneficent faery beings who will nurture our plants, facilitating a strong yield. We, in turn, by consuming those plants strengthen our connection to our own land and the beings that nurtured it. It's a beautiful cycle that I am happy to continue.

Law of Attraction, Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:40:00 +0000

If the energies we emit attract similar energies in return (the Law of Attraction), then perhaps the same applies to people in general. We attract people to us who are of a like mind. It's not attraction as we think of it literally, as people being drawn to us (though they likely are), but more that the Divine energy of the Universe brings people of like mind into our lives at unexpected times.

My student worker (another unexpected connection I recently made) asked me the other day how I met my husband. In a way it was destiny. I met him in odd circumstances at just the right time such that a relationship could result.

I was a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. He was an engineering student at Drexel. He happened to drive a Penn Shuttle (minivan transportation for Penn students), which I took regularly. For nine months our paths never crossed, though I was a regular rider. Then in the space of two weeks, he picked me up three times. His perspective was that he felt an energy from me in the van the first time I was there and felt an overwhelming need to act in some capacity. The first action was an awkward request to see a necklace I was wearing, as I was the last person out of the van. I left the van with the impression that he had just hit on me, but figured I'd never see him again. He picked me up twice more, and once I was all alone, which was odd for a Penn Shuttle. Our conversation revealed that I was studying classical history, and he was an initiate in a coven of Italian witches. Our lives have been forever intertwined. I obviously ended up marrying him, and I can't imagine anyone more suited to me. It's like we were meant for each other. He told me that about two weeks before we met, he had given a ritual offering to Venus to bring him a companion. I guess it worked.

People are often brought into our lives who need to be there, many with whom we have traveled before in past lives. Ardeo and I have traveled through many lives together, but until now, we've both been men. It makes for an interesting dynamic in our current relationship.

I have recognized others before who are in my spiritual cohort. One of my closest friends, Aquilus, who is also a Clarian initiate, started out as a hypnotherapy client. The first time I saw him as I opened the door, I recognized him. He felt it too, as we discussed it many moons later. I had a similar experience with a woman Aquilus and I met for the first time together. She ended up marrying him and is now also a Clarian initiate. Some people don't stay in my life, but I know I'll see them again. Others I can just sense are Pagan or at least open.

And then there are times when I am absolutely surprised. About two weeks ago, I had a student in my office. She is one of my better students, and as people tend to open up to me, she was telling me about this or that in her life. After a little while, she began telling me about this "thing" her family does that was difficult for her to describe to me, but that runs in her family. It sounded a lot like Santeria to me, but she said she didn't know a name for it. Her brother was born with the caul, and they all work with spirits and their ancestors. It has a dark streak and frightens her, and she was sharing with me how she was uncertain about going through a particular ritual to open her up to her ancestors for their guidance. She spoke to me a great deal about it and kept saying how she never talks about this to anyone, and she didn't know why she was telling me. I, of course, knew exactly why: The Law of Attraction. It will be interesting to see where this new connection goes. I am but a rider on the Divine waves of the Universe. I am open to Divine direction, and I am grateful for the many gifts of friendship and opportunity that I have been given.

The Law of Attraction and Sychronicities

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:44:00 +0000

In my previous post I discussed the recent popularity of the ideas behind the Law of Attraction and fringe religious theories as the result of an expression of the collective subconscious. Our society is ready for a new mindset. At least it seems that way according to people who go to movies (the popularity of the Secret) and those who read books (The Da Vinci Code and The Secret, among others on the New York Times Best Sellers List).

While I personally disagree with the simplicity of what was presented in The Secret, I do believe that our perspective has an influence on our condition. I have read about people who have put their cancer into remission through positive thinking, especially using laughter. I mentioned in a previous post about how I prefer to watch a comedy to a horror or violent flick, because I'd rather be entertained by laughter than human suffering. Controlling our thoughts and changing our perspectives influences our daily lives. Any good witch knows this, but how many put it into practice? You need only to look at their lives to find the answer.

I have been pondering how the Law of Attraction coincides with synchronicities one experiences in life. In my Tradition, synchronicities occur as a result of a long-nurtured rapport with Deity and harmony with the Universe. When one is in harmony with the Divine, with the world around her, she doesn't need magic, she *is* magic. She is a mystic. The Gods speak to us through patterns. Those who can see the patterns are mystics. Those who can interpret the patterns are prophets.

When the Gods speak to someone, most often the message is ignored, and perhaps the following messages become weaker and weaker. When we open ourselves to listening to what the Gods are saying, then the messages become stronger. It is difficult for the logical person not to attempt an interpretation, but in general the message becomes clear without having to interpret at all. Divine messages are not like an email or a blog post, but more situational. For instance you might ask a question, and then overhear a conversation by strangers on a completely unrelated topic, and yet somehow it contains your answer. Or perhaps you find in a book that you opened suddenly to a certain page, or while doing a search on the Web for something unrelated. It can happen in many different ways.

The next post is in regards to people coming into you life for various reasons, not always known to you, but nevertheless synchronious and perhaps a result of the Law of Attraction.

The Law of Attraction

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:10:00 +0000

I find it interesting how esoteric or controversial concepts eventually gain popular acceptance (sometimes ire) after filtering through mainstream media. It also requires, in general, an open and willing audience. Yet a book doesn't make the best sellers list unless people buy it (think Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code) or watch it (think The Secret). There is something out in the collective subconscious that is attracted to these ideas.

What does this mean? Are we living in a time of great change? Perhaps, but I suppose all times are a time of great change, if you think about it. I like to think that we are living in a time when there will be a great shift in consciousness. Even Aradia supposedly spoke about the coming Age of the Daughter, which would replace the Age of the Son. Though I am personally not sure how much credence to give Aradia, as we do not acknowledge her legend outside of what we've come to understand from Leland and other modern sources. If she did happen to travel throughout Italy, she must have missed the villages inhabited by my particular ancestors. Italy's a big place. It could happen. I do, however, like the concept of the Age of the Daughter, as it seems to coincide with a celestial energy shift from the Piscean Age (generally about the entire time Christianity has dominated our culture) to the Age of Aquarius (a more open-minded, accepting, and feminine time). We definitely live in interesting time and change is on the horizon.

The Secret popularized the idea behind the Law of Attraction, that like attracts like, so the type of energy you put forth is the type you will in turn attract to you. This concept has a foundation in earlier writings, including the Old Testament. One of Ardeo's favorite books is As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, first published in 1902. The title is derived from the Jewish Proverb, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." This same concept comes from Hinduism, which influenced Theosophy and thus several Theosophical writers even earlier than James Allen. Even earlier than that, Charles Godfrey Leland himself published a book in 1862 called Sunshine in Thought about cheerfulness and its affect on life (keep in mind that at the time we were in the midst of the bloodiest war in our history, the Civil War).

The point is that this is not a new concept, but it is one that is now touching many more people. Too often I have encountered people who constantly complain about this or that and rarely have a positive thing to say. No wonder they live such a miserable existence. They bring it upon themselves. This is not to say that everyone who lives through tragedy or tough times brought it upon themselves, but the way the mind perceives these events (positive or negative) can change the outcome. Difficulties in life are opportunities. They are opportunities for us to use our incredibly creative minds and incredibly powerful spirits to grow. Hardships give people strength. Happiness is but a mindset and a choice.

I am going somewhere with this, so stay tuned.

Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:27:00 +0000

This was my third Mother's Day as a mother. Sophia was still a newborn at my first one, and the second one was spent at my mother's, but she's now in Florida. This year it turned into more of a Mother's Day weekend. I was highly pampered by my loving husband with breakfast in bed (both days!) and dinner out on Saturday night. My gift and now a new family tradition is to be able to get as many plants and accoutrements for the plants that I want to plant my garden. In Pennsylvania it is common to wait until Mother's Day to plant your garden, so that the threat of frost is truly gone.

I love my garden, and I can't wait to see it grow all the while sharing the experience with Sophia. Right now she loves putting soil into pots and watering the plants with the watering can. They learned how to work with gardening tools in her class. As a matter of fact, I received a wonderful Mother's Day gift from Sophia, thanks to the creative talents of her teachers. I received a potted petunia with a picture of me and Sophia at her class picnic a couple of weeks ago on a stick set into the soil of the plant. On the back of her hand-colored card, complete with wildflower seeds to symbolize her growing love, was a laminated picture of Sophia using a mini-trowel to put soil into the pot. It made me feel so good to receive such a thoughtful, handmade gift.

Sophia helped with some of the weeding, taking breaks to play with bubbles and sit in her folding giraffe chair. She helps fill the bird feeders, and takes that job extremely seriously. She doesn't like the birds to be hungry. We installed a new bird feeder on the other end of our yard to help reduce ticks. We live in a symbiotic relationship with our neighborhood birds. We feed them, and they hang out for the rest of the day eating bugs (like ticks) for us. In our Tradition, birds are messengers of the Gods, and they can also help dispel certain energies.

We have beautiful red cardinals, red-headed woodpeckers, orioles, chickadees, grackles, starlings, blue jays, mockingbirds, and all sorts of other feathered friends. We even have a little birds nest in our bird house. As soon as the bird feeder by the bird house is filled, a little bird fills up with seed then flies over to the bird house to feed her young. Sophia and I observed from a distance.

While working with our garden of vegetables and herbs (culinary, medicinal and magical), we work with the spirits of the plants themselves. We also leave offerings for the land spirits who will care for them, and ask for blessings from Jupiter, Ceres, Apollo and Diana. We do a special rite, the Ambarvalia, later on this month to ensure fertility and protection for our plant allies.

Mother's Day is a wonderful time to honor "Mother," whether is your mother, the mother of your child, the mother within, or The Mother Herself. I honor Ceres by my gardening, and I make many offerings to Her. She is my Mother. I also make an offering on Mother's Day to Juno, as the epitome of the Roman Matron.

Our Floralia

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:01:00 +0000

On Saturday we had a lovely event. It was not large, which was nice. I always feel the need to mingle with everyone who attends, so this meant I didn't need to fragment my time so much and was able to get to know folks a lot better.

The weather was cool, so we held the ritual inside the sanctuary, which is a lovely space. There was a beautiful flowering tree just outside the door that showered passersby with soft, pink petals. We decorated the area with flowers everywhere we could. We even took advantage of the pretty pink tree and scattered petals in a circle around our sacred space.

The ritual went off without a hitch, and we did have some humorous moments during the distribution of blessed beans for throwing to ensure fertility. The funny parts were in reference to when, where, and on whom to throw beans, as well as some references to flicking beans (a colloquialism that I'll leave to you to discover, if you don't already know it.).

The feast afterwards was fabulous, as usual. There were even vegan dishes for the first time, as we had some vegan visitors, which I find brings a refreshing balance to the devout carnivores that often frequent our rituals. I do so love balance, when I can get it.

And the children... It was so nice to have little people present, doing the cute things they do and having participants seasoned with the patience of parenthood. The kids were so cute with the little drums they made at the workshop. Thank you to Candra for facilitating the children's workshop. Candra has divinely inspired creativity and works with children professionally.

Children are the future of our Ways. The only other way to perpetuate our religion is through recruitment, so children are fundamental to the growth of our Tradition. We are fortunate that two of our initiates are currently pregnant, and one of our dedicants may also be in the near future. I know they all plan to pass on the Tradition, just as Ardeo and I are passing it on to Sophia.

The children made the drumming and dancing after the feast extra special. Flora takes delight in children, and so do I. They were so cute as they took turns drumming for the dancers on the adult drums. Sophia mostly danced with me, sometimes just running in a circle around me as I danced, often accompanied by another little girl who was there. It was very sweet.

Overall I have to say that I am extremely pleased with the event, and we'll continue to have these open rituals once a year at this time. I know nothing is always perfect, but I am willing to work with that. There are just so many unknowns when working with open rituals, that you never know for sure how those attend will behave.

For instance, last year we had an issue with an individual who kept muttering some strange mantra during our sacred invocations and doing so rather loudly. Several folks told me later how rude and disrespectful they thought she was. Honestly, I hadn't even noticed it, being so focused on connecting to the Divine. While I do feel it is a shame that this individual's lack of spiritual maturity negatively affected the experience of others, I believe that the Gods nonetheless joyously accepted our rite in Their honor.

I evidently also missed this same individual's drunken ridiculousness during the post-ritual feast, as I was more engrossed by the other attendees. Others made certain to bring it to my attention afterward, feeling that her behavior was very inappropriate and again disrespectful. Fortunately, as we all had a great time regardless, it was only her own reputation that suffered due to her lack of self-control. Personally, I found it amusing. Ancient Roman feasts were renown for drunkenness and lewd behavior, and while we don't view it quite the same today, every gathering has its clown. We save up all (well most) of our drunken lewdness for the Saturnalia once a year, and it is well worth it.

Happy Floralia

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:42:00 +0000

Happy Floralia!

The Floralia is our May Day celebration. It stems from an ancient Roman celebration of the Goddess Flora. The Ludi Florales (Floral Games) were instituted in Rome in 238 BC, after a consultation of the Sibylline Oracles. The Games lasted from April 28th to May 3rd, when the Romans annually celebrated the dedication of a temple to Flora near the Circus Maximus, as a way of solidifying her protection over blossoms. There was of course also the typical lewdness and drunkenness common to Roman celebrations. We continue to celebrate this event in honor of Flora on May Day, an ancient fertility festival among many cultures.

I am not as familiar with what other cultures do, but in Clarian Stregheria this is a celebration of Spring fertility as demonstrated in flowers. Flowers are most simply the genitalia of a plant,
and thus we find them erotic and a symbol of love, as most people do. We celebrate with ritual, feast and dancing in honor of the Goddess Flora, the Fata (Faeries), and the Genii Loci (Spirits of the Land). We honor Flora as a maiden aspect of our Matron, Diana Claria, hence our May Day celebration is also known as Diana's Day.

The Floralia is the only ritual celebration that the Order of the Evening Star opens to the public each year. Last year we had more of a formal event, but this year we are keeping it laid back and with a family focus (so any drunken and lewd behavior will have to wait until later in the evening).

If you're in town and want to stop by, please do:

*Schedule of Events*

3:45pm - Arrival and socializing

4:00pm - Children's workshop: Creating flower crowns to be worn in ritual

4:45pm - Ritual Instruction

5:00pm - Ritual begins

After ritual there will be a potluck feast, drumming (bring your drum!) and an informal performance by Vesperus! Open dancing and drumming after the ritual is encouraged.

7:30pm - Cleanup and departure by 8:00pm
-------------------------------------------------------

* Location*

Where: Pebble Hill Interfaith Church, 320 Edison-Furlong Road, Doylestown,
PA 18901

$5.00 donation requested to cover rental.

PLEASE RSVP with the number of children and adults attending, even if you
are not 100% certain you will attend (no obligation), so we know how to plan
for supplies.

-------------------------------------------------------
*What to bring*

*** Bring a vegetarian pot luck dish to share for the feast after the ritual. Wine and spirits are welcome.

*** Please bring a canned food item as a part of our "sacrifice" for charity or a couple of dollars for Mission Kids charity, a shelter which helps abused children in Montgomery County, PA.

*** If you have *ritual garb*, please bring it. We wear *WHITE *at this time of the year, but whatever you normally wear is fine.

For more information, visit us:

The Order of the Evening Star

The first order of :
The Clarian Temple of the Religio Terranova:

Roman polytheism and Stregheria in a family tradition teaching mysticism, rapport with the Gods of Italy, and Faery lore.

"Deity dwells within"

Spider Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:07:00 +0000

I've been having spider dreams again. I have them every so often in spurts. They are generally not pleasant, but not horrifying either. I wouldn't classify the dreams as nightmares.

For the record, I am a strong dreamer. I have vivid dreams that I regularly remember, which should be the case, as part of the Clarian Tradition teaches dreamwalking as an advanced form of our shamanistic work. I take my dreams very seriously. I do a lot of healing and purposeful journeying at night while I sleep, so those who have seen me in their dreams, in whatever capacity, it's likely not by chance. Clarian streghe also have "friends" we like to send on dream visits, so we don't always make personal appearances, so-to-speak.

Spiders are among my spirit animals, but it was only after much reluctance that I accepted them as that. We have a bittersweet relationship, with mostly aversion on my part, but we don't always get to choose cute, fluffy animals to be our spirit guides. Unfortunately, the spiders chose me, and they creep me out big time! If I am in a room with a spider, it will approach me, be on me, or string down on me from the ceiling, which I find highly unpleasant. Eating outdoors, I've found even a tiny little spider spinning a web in the handle of my coffee mug. I just can't get away from them.

I dream of spiders fairly often, and I had an epiphany after one particular dream. After walking through a hallway laden with cobwebs, I became caught up in them. I realized that it was one large web, and I was entangled in it like a large fly. Hundreds of spiders descended upon me from all directions of the web, and I relaxed in submission to an inevitable union. I awoke with that experience burned in my mind and at that moment, I realized the nature of our relationship. I accepted them for who and what they are. I enjoy gazing at their alien-looking beauty through the glass I place over them before putting them outside my house (especially the wolf spiders), but I am happiest with them being physically away from me.

Black spiders in the Clarian Tradition are sacred to the Dark Mother. I don't write often about Her, as She is a strong force that we do not take lightly. She is the Mother of the Manes and also Mother of Ceres, my personal Matron. Her energy is transformative and often frightening, but She also guards and instructs when approached appropriately and attended to regularly. She does not appreciate fair-weathered friends. We do not kill black spiders especially, because they are sacred to Her.

The spider energy at this moment is becoming more empowered, so it is time to begin weaving with The Weaver and using Her darker energies constructively.

I Love Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Luciano) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:59:00 +0000

Spring is my favorite time of the year. I love seeing the life force returning to the land after a long winter slumber. The trees are blooming (as well as allergies), and spring flowers abound everywhere. The weather has been so nice that I've finally been able to focus on the yard work and garden preparation that needs to be done. The local organic farm opened on Wednesday, and I'm excited to get my membership this year, so that I can support local farming. Candra stopped by the farm on Thursday before class and brought us a little pie. Mixed berry. Yum!

We're finishing up the planning for our Floralia celebration, which will be May 3rd this year. This is our second year of having a ritual open to the public. All of our rituals are invitation only except for this one, so it's a special time. Last year we tried a more formal event, but this year we're going much less formal and having some little workshops specifically for kids. I'm looking forward to the family friendly atmosphere, especially with two of our initiates currently being pregnant. It's going to be so much fun!

I just love this time of year as the semester winds down. Today I finished up lecturing for the semester, and now I just have to administer finals and do some grading. The kids are reeling about campus getting their last minute work and studying done. The Library has been very crowded, but the feeling is one of completion. As frustrated as I have been with some of my students, I have gotten to know several of them. I love watching them grow and develop and sometimes even learn and thing or two. I do wince at some of the choices they make, and I often tell them, "You're lucky I'm not your mother." Of course I'm not really old enough to be their mother, more like a big sister.

Someday when my daughter is older I'll have to ask her what it is like to be the child of a classic overachiever. That reminds me... I've been back to work full-time for just over a year now. It's time to think about publishing again. Summers are a wonderful time for professional development and research. Maybe I'll even have some time to catch up on my side projects. We'll see!