Gypsy Magic

Rowan Tree Lore

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:59:00 +0000

Each month of the Celtic Lunar calendar bears the name of a tree. Rowan is the 2nd Moon of the Celtic Year - (Jan 22 - Feb 18).

Latin name: Rowan/American Mountain Ash - sorbus americana; Rowan/European Mountain Ash - sorbus aucuparia
Celtic name: Luis (pronounced: loush)
Folk or Common names: Mountain Ash, Ran Tree, Witchwood Tree, Quickbeam, The Witch or Witch Wand Tree, Whispering Tree, Sorb-Apple, Service Tree
Parts Used: Wood, berries.
CAUTION: do not eat the seeds

Herbal usage:
Rowan bark has astringent qualities and can be used as a decoction for helping cure irritable bowels. Rowan berries can be made into a juice which can be used as a laxative. The berries are also an important food for grouse, cedar waxwings, grosbeaks and other hungry birds.

Magical History and Associations:

The bird associated with the month of Rowan is the duck. The Druid Dhubh (Blackbird) also has an association with the Rowan tree since Blackbirds are fond of Rowan berries. Since each Rowan berry carries a minute pentagram, eating these berries is said to give the blackbird the ability to connect us with his healing song to the balancing and regenerative powers of the Otherworld and the Unconscious.

The Celtic symbol of the month of Rowan is the Green Dragon. The color is red, and the gemstone is yellow chrysolite or the ruby. The Rowan is a Masculine herb that is associated with the element of fire, and is a tree of the sun and the planet Uranus.

The tree is sacred to the deities of Rowan, Thor and Brighid (triple goddess of inspiration, healing and smithcraft). Rowan is also sacred to Oeagrus (father of Orpheus, who belonged to the sorb-apple cult) and to the White Goddess Aphrodite; Akka/Mader-Akka/Rauni (Finnish goddess of the harvest and of female sexuality); and the river goddess Halys/Alys/Elis (Queen of the Eleusine Islands). Irish Druids held Rowan trees sacred like Oaks and sometimes called it the 'Tree of Life'.

Rowan wood is one of the nine traditional firewoods to be added to the Belfire that is burned at Beltane. In folklore the Rowan is regarded as the godmother of milk cows. When a calf is due to be named, the farmer goes to the wood before daybreak to cut a Rowan branch with a piece of copper just as the sun rises. He smacks the calf on the back with it and calls it by its name. After that he tethers it to the cowshed door, decorated with white ribbons and eggshells, and the calf stays safe and well.

The Rowan is a favorite tree of the Otherkin. A Slavic tree spirit known as Musail, the forest tsar, king of the forest spirits, is associated with the Rowan tree. Rowan also has a vampiric association since it is, along with Garlic and Hawthorn, one of the most popular herbal vampire repellents.

Magickal usage:

The month of Rowan is a good time to do initiations, especially during Imbolc. The Rowan has applications in magick done for divination, astral work, strength, protection, initiation, healing, psychic energies, working with spirits of the dead, psychic powers, personal power, and success.

Uses of Rowan in protective magick include carrying Rowan twigs on sea voyages to protect the ship from storms. A Rowan can be planted near a new house to protect it from lightning and evil influences. Walking sticks made of Rowan will protect there user from harm. A charm made of two small twigs of Rowan wood tied together to form a cross using red thread or yarn can be carried to protect against bad spirits. Its branches were used by Norsemen as rune-staves upon which to carve runes of protection. The Celts believed that no witches or evil spirits could cross a door over which a branch of Rowan had been nailed.

In some legends, the Rowan has also been called the whispering tree because it has secrets to tell to those who will listen. Rowans also can be planted on graves to prevent the haunting of the place by the dead. In Ireland, a Rowan stake was sometimes hammered through a corpse to immobilize the spirit. In ancient Ireland, the Druids of opposing forces would kindle a fire of Rowan and say an incantation over it to summon spirits to take part in the battle. Should you happen upon a flourishing Rowan which is most bountifully hung with cluster upon cluster of delicate red berries, then you may be sure that some saintly soul lies buried close by.

Rowan is often called The Wizard Tree or The Witch Tree, partly because Rowan berries have a small pentagram at the point where they are joined to the stalk. Indeed, Rowan berries were often regarded as magickal and were the food of the Tuatha De Danaan. As attractive as Rowan is to the Fey, Rowan wood is often used in butter churns so that the butter would not be overlooked by evil Faeries.

In Scotland, fires made from rowan wood were used to protect the cattle against those same type of evil fairy spirits, and it is said that 'Bewitched' horses may be controlled by a Rowan whip. Witch-wands for divining metal are often made of Rowan wood, and Rowan branches may be used to dowse for water or can be made into wands. The best time to harvest a Rowan branch for a wand or staff is at Beltane. Remember to ask the tree if it will allow you to take a branch and be sure to leave the tree an offering of thanks when you are done.

Recommended Reading:

Source: dutchie.org

Sign of the Orchid

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:07:00 +0000

"My uniqueness is my effectiveness."

If you were born between January 21 and February 19, you were born under the sign of the orchid. Those with the zodiac flower sign of the orchid are curious and inventive. You can be contradictory but you know exactly where you are coming from. You have a dreamy persona and people are attracted to your unique, sometimes eccentric ways. You have a different way of looking at the world. You are a natural humanitarian, and love to unravel mysteries. You are also very good at organizing or completing tasks that allow you to establish order.

Source: What's Your Sign

Sun in Aquarius

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:53:00 +0000

The Sun is in Aquarius from approximately January 20 to February 18, depending on the year.

Symbol: The Water Bearer
Ruler: Uranus
Element: Air
Modality: Fixed
Season: Winter
Zodiac Placement: 11th Sign
Metal: Uranium
Stone: Amethyst
Color: Sky Blue
Flowers: Violet; Carnation; Lily
Anatomy: Ankles, shins, circulation

Keywords: individualistic, assertive, independent, humanitarian, inventive, original, eccentric, opinionated, intellectual, idealistic, cool, friendly, detached

One of the standout characteristics of those born under the Sun Sign of Aquarius is their unwillingness to follow the beaten track. With advancement and progress on their minds, there can be an irreverence to old and outdated ways of thinking and doing things.

Many Aquarians aim to free themselves of personal and social conditioning. Although open to change in theory, Aquarians can be surprisingly stubborn. Their idealism runs strong, but they can be very fixed in their opinions.

Often a bit aloof and even standoffish, Aquarians nonetheless are usually well-liked. They are curious and observant, and tolerant in a broad sense. Prejudice and bias is offensive to the typical Aquarius.

Aquarians are generally very clever, witty, and intellectual. They value progress and frankness. It's difficult to throw Aquarians for a loop—they're generally on top of things.

There is a bit of reformer in Aquarius. They'll try to get you to see through superficiality, and encourage you to be open and forthright. "Be true to yourself" and "Don't follow the crowd" are mottos we easily associate with this sign.

Aquarians need space and value personal freedom. Any attempt to box them in will likely fail. They'll happily return the favor; and they will treat people from all walks of life as equals. Equality and fairness are hallmarks of the sign. If you're quirky and "different", all the better.

Source: Cafe Astrology

Negative Energy Release

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:22:00 +0000

We all get a bit of negative energy in us from time to time. Be it stress, or an empath recieving someone else's trouble. This technique will help you rid yourself of these emotions and energy and bring you to a calmer state of mind.

You can do this in private, or anywhere where you can take a moment to breathe in a time of need.

Close your eyes and imagine the negative feelings as a a black ball. See it before you. With each breath out, watch the ball turn white. With each breath out, feel your self get calmer. Continue this until the ball is completely white.

Once it is totally white, watch this ball leave your sight. Feel your negative energy go with it, and breathe in the new calming sensation.

Source: Spells Of Magic

Spell For Easy Childbirth

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:12:00 +0000

To use the herb Motherwort
for an Easy Travail

When motherwort, undaunted weed,
Has sprung and flowered and gone to seed,
Gather the stalks with heads and leaves,
Tie them tin cords to five strong sheaves;
Batter their tips against a wall
Until the seeds, sharp-spined, shall fall,
And when they are scattered upon the ground,
These words will render the womb unbound:

Seeds that wound,
Husks that bind,
Leave only peace
And joy behind:
Take away pain,
Let strength remain.

Untie the stalks and strip them bare,
Fold their leaves in a velvet square,
Sew up the charm with yellow thread:
As soon as the woman is brought to bed,
See that she hold it in her hand
For ease, as weeds are born from the land.

From: Crone's Book of Magical Words

It's Midwives' Day

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

The ancients honored their midwives today as the goddess's assistants by giving them gifts. In modern times, this might equate to sending a thank-you note to your physician or pediatrician.

Patron Goddess: Eleithyia
Themes: Birth; Children; Creativity; Fertility
Symbols: A Torch; White Flowers

About Eleithyia:

As the aegean goddess of birth, Eleithyia acts as the midwife to your new year, filling it with creative power. Eleithyia's name translates as "Fluid of Generation," giving her strong fertile aspects, and she also has a hand in personal fate.

According to myth, Eleithyia was the midwife of the gods and even birthed Eos, the creative force behind all things. When Eleithyia's hands were closed, birth was delayed. When Eleithyia opened her body, a child arrived effortlessly.

To bring Eleithyia's fertility to any area of your life, try this spell:

Gather a handful of white flower petals. Work in an area that somehow represents your goal. If you want a fertile garden, for example, cast this spell in your garden; for fertile ideas, perform it in your study. Visualize your goal as you release all but one petal, turning clockwise to the winds, saying:

The wish of my heart, Eleighyia see,
and bring back to me fertility.

Carry the last petal to help the magic manifest.

Source: 365 Goddess

Prosperity Charm For The New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:10:00 +0000

To ensure that money will enter the house all year round, take one silver or golden coin for each external door to the house.

The coins can be gold or silver colored rather than actually made of the metals concerned. Wash the coins carefully under running water for 10 minutes and then dry them in a new cloth or tissue.

Then take the same number of circular pieces of paper. On the papers draw a picture of your family and around it draw pictures to represent all the things you need (not want) money for. Remember to include rent, taxes, light, heat, food, transport, pets, etc.

Wrap each coin in one of the papers, and if you are able, bury one just outside the threshold of each door. While you are burying the coins say,

"I call upon the Old Gods to help us make the most of opportunities to bring money into this house. May those who live here ever have enough for their needs and commitments. Give each of us the true rewards of our work and may our family be happy and secure in this home. Blessed Be."

As you do this, visualize members of the family with coins in their pockets entering the home. If it is not possible to actually bury them, then slip them down a crack at the base of the door, or just under the carpet on the inside. It is important that everyone who enters the house, and all mail, must pass over the coins.

"Never give an empty purse,
lest both giver and taker
be likewise coinless."

Source: The Real Witches' Year

Old New Years Customs and Lore

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 07:15:00 +0000

In Madagascar New Year's is celebrated with much feasting and sacrificial killing of oxen takes place.

Chinese custom requires that every boy who calls on his neighbors or relatives on New Year's day, should receive a couple of loose-skinned oranges, or he is considered shamefully treated. The name of orange means luck, fortune, and auspiciousness.

On New Year's eve while the clock is striking twelve, repeat three times: "Good Saint Anne, good Saint Anne, send me a man as fast as you can," and you will become engaged within a year.

At the beginning of the New Year in Natal, a ceremony is performed by the chief by spurting from his mouth a mixture of the New Year's fruits in different directions as if upon his enemies. After this ceremony it is lawful for the people to eat the New Year's fruits. They are only eaten by stealth before.

It was a custom of the Jews to serve up sheep's head on New Year's at their chief entertainment, as a mystical representation of the ram offered in sacrifice for Isaac. When a family or company sat down to this repast, each person took a piece of bread and dipping it in honey, said, "May this year be sweet and fruitful."

In several parts of Belgium it is customary for the people to make waffles on New Year's day. Around Liege the first waffle is crossformed or cut cross-wise, and placed on the chimney-piece as a New Year's gift to the crucifix. It is believed that this waffle or cake is blessed; it does not rot and a small piece given to a sick man or beast makes them recover.

An old New Year's custom which is still observed in some of the northern counties of England, is called "Going about with a vessel cup." Poor women and girls desirous of obtaining charity take two dolls, representing the Virgin Mother and Infant Jesus, and go about from house to house during the week before New Year's singing a quaint old carol and at its conclusion presenting for the receipt of alms a small cup, which is known as a "vessel cup." To turn one of these vessel cup singers unrequited from your door is to forfeit all good health and good fortune for the approaching new year.

In Westmoreland and Cumberland early in the morning of New Year's the "Taex Populi" assemble carrying stangs (long poles) and baskets. Every inhabitant or stranger who falls into the hands of this ruffian band will be sacrificed to their favorite Saint; a man is mounted on a stang, a woman is basketed, and carried shoulder high to the nearest balance and weighed. None are allowed to follow their accustomed occupations on this day.

In Guria in Asiatic Russia, the New Year is prepared for a month before the time comes; the people pen up poultry, turkeys, ducks and geese; but the chief animal for food is the pig which is fatted up a month before and killed two or three days before New Year's. The New Year in Guria might almost be called the feast of St. Yicelie the Great, because it is believed by them that the prophet Mahomet had an argument with that saint as to who could work the greater miracle. The saint said that he would strike with an iron rod a rock and out of it water should flow. Mahomet said he would stick his staff into the ground and wine should flow from it. On New Year's day the miracles were performed. The saint struck the rock, and a spring came out and flowed. When he saw the miracle, Mahomet took the saint to a place where he had put some wine skins under the earth. But when they reached the place where Mahomet intended to stick his staff into the hidden wine-skins, they found some pigs had rooted them up and they were to be seen scattered over the ground. In this way was Mahomet defeated by pigs, and thus the pig is the animal for the New Year's feast. Mahomet cursed the pigs and ever since his followers will not eat Dig's meat; but the saint blessed them, and with his foot pressed tneir tails into the ground and they are killed in his honor in Guria.

The old Romans did not give up New Year's day wholly to feasting or idleness, as is done in most countries, but everyone wrought a little at his trade for the sake of luck throughout the year.

In England it was customary to give and receive gifts on New Year's day with the superstitious design of securing good fortune for the year, as well as for affection and to promote good neighborhood. Even the kings of England accepted presents from their courtiers on this morning.

In France New Year's day is still distinguished by a universal system of present-giving.

The Romish Church as well as the Church of England celebrated the first of January in honor of the circumcision of Christ.

Yorn Kippur, the day of atonement, is the concluding ceremonial in the observances of the Jewish New Year, called Rosh Hashanah, which falls in either September or October. While Rosh Hashanah, the day on which the fate of the pious is inscribed in the great book, is given to rejoicing and merry making, Yorn Kippur, the day on which the book is sealed, is observed by fasting, praying, repentance, and reconciliation.

A cock is taken by its legs by the eldest male of the family and swung nine times over the others' heads, praying God to transfer their sins into the body of the fowl. The bird is then either killed as a sacrifice or given to the poor.

In the basement of the synagogue are placed long boxes with sand. Each worshipper brings with him a candle, sticks it in the sand, lights it, and beseeches God to let the light of his mercy shine upon him and as a sign thereof make the candle burn long and clear, to indicate a long and happy life for the supplicant.

We find that the Walloons (Belgians) have many observances and beliefs in common with their Gaulish neighbors, while the descendants of the Franks by whom the ancient Gauls were dispossessed of the fertile plains and driven into the mountains, have preserved more pagan usages.

The Christian era was not generally used in Flanders until the reign of Charlemagne. The year began on various days according to the different departments of life; but as soon as the Frankish supremacy was established in the southern region, now known by their name, and that had adopted the first of January as the beginning of their civil year its adoption in Belgium followed as a matter of course.

In the Teutonic provinces it is especially honored and surprise greetings are used, when the person first saluted has to give the other a present.

On twelfth night, festivity is universal in Belgium and a cake with a bean in it is cut for the kingly place. These solemnities are thought to have come down from Roman civilization and to have been introduced by Gaulish ancestors.

At Mechlin the Sawyer's Guild have taken the "Three Kings" as patron saints on a punning interpretation of the text, "They saw the Star."

The Chinese, in this country as well as at home, bid good-bye, annually, to the god of the kitchen, giving him thanks for his protection of the family during the year, after which he is supposed to make his annual journey to heaven to report to the "pearly emperor" the condition of the family and how it has behaved during the year. To avoid unpleasant disclosures, the god is regaled with quantities of candy so sticky that his lips are too full for utterance, being glued too tight to speak. The night before the Chinese New Year, the dusky little god is supposed to return, and gets another supply of sugar and delicacies which he is supposed to like.

In the small hours of New Year's morning take place the interesting ceremonies of sacrifice to "father heaven" and "mother earth" by the head of the family, who offers fruit, rice, vegetables, and tea to both these divinities, asking blessings on the hour and the New Year. A quantity of gilt paper-money is burnt, which passes in smoke to the heavens above and in ashes to the earth below.

Prostrations and reverence before the household gods, the shrines of the ancestors, and the older living representatives of the family, are all gone through with for luck.

The presents chosen by the Chinese at their New Year are of a significant nature. A kind of orange, called "kat," is handed around on the supposition that it is a good omen for the year, from the fact that the name has the same sound as the word which means "lucky." For the same reason, thin-shelled bivalves, called "hien," are eaten, this word being identical in sound with the word for intelligence. A kind of carp is also in much demand, as its name is the same as "profit."

Source: Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, Folklore, and the Occult Sciences of the World

Romany New Year's Eve Love Divination

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:45:00 +0000

(first letter here)To divine whether you will marry in the New Year, try throwing a shoe or boot into a willow tree. If it gets caught in the branches, the answer is yes. You are allowed to throw the shoe no more than nine times because, in spells, nine symbolizes completion.

From: The Good Spell Book

Not A Lucky New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:57:00 +0000

There is a lot of lore and superstition surrounding the New Year. What follows is an extensive listing of what NOT to do, and what to avoid at all costs on this most powerful day of the year:

New Year's day was one of ill omen to the ancient Egyptians.

It is unlucky to have clothes hanging on the line when the New Year is born.

If a person in deep mourning pays you a call on New Year's day, a member of your family will die before the year is out.

In Northern Yorkshire, people will not allow anyone to light a candle from the fire on New Year's day, so afraid are they to "carry fire to fire."

The Chinese believe a Buddhist priest to be the first to enter a house on New Year's morning is even worse than to have a woman first enter it.

Burn all the visiting cards that have been received throughout the year on the first of January. If you keep them from year to year you will have bad luck.

If you have not provided yourself with a calendar before the New Year comes in, you will be behindhand in all your undertakings during the year. (Massachusetts.)

If you eat apples on New Year's day it will produce abcesses.

Some people believe that if you put on clean linen on New Year's day, you will have sores come on your skin.

On New Year's day no one must utter the words that indicate death in any form, especially the word "shi" itself, lest the invitation be accepted. (Chinese.)

The Chinese believe it very bad luck not to pay all of his outstanding accounts on the last day of the year, and begin fresh and straight on New Year's day.

If a creditor makes a disturbance in the house of a debtor on New Year's Day it is considered a most unlucky omen for the future prosperity of the debtor. (China.)

It is bad luck in China to spend money the first three days of the year, except for candies and refreshments.

If one sneezes on New Year's eve while preparing for bed, it is a sign of misfortune during the coming year. (China.)

It is a sure sign of strifes and debates among the learned, and of many robberies to happen during the year, if the new year is ushered in with very red clouds.

A corpse in the house on New Year's day is the sign of another death to follow soon.

The throwing of coal-dust or soot instead of lime before a door on New Year's day, betokens gloom and bad luck. (Malta.)

When the wind blows on New Year's night, it is a sign of pestilence.

"If you wash clothes on New-Year's day,
You'll be sure to wash a friend away."

It is unlucky to sow on New Year's day.

Spend on New Year, spend all the year.

It is very unlucky to refuse a beggar anything on New Year's day, or to refuse a request of any kind.

A sudden noise on New Year's night foretells the death of an inmate.

To meet a priest before any other male on New Year's day, is a sign of death during the year; if a policeman, litigation is sure to follow.

It is unlucky to have a flat-footed person enter the house first of any one on New Year's day. (Folk Lore of Northern Countries.)

It is an omen of ill luck if a redhaired woman enters a house on New Year's morning.

If the first man you speak to on New Year's morning has his hands in his pockets, you will have a hard time getting what money you want during the year.

Among the Highlanders, if a black and threatening cloud appears on New Year's eve, it is looked upon as a forerunner of some dire calamity to the country or to the family estate over which it appears to hang.

French flax is put on the spindle New Year's eve in many parts of Germany. None must be spun then, as it would be bad for the year's spinning.

It is unlucky to have the fire go out on New Year's day.

It is unlucky to eat anything green on New Year's day.

In Hesna, it is unlucky to eat an apple on New Year's day.

In the rural districts of Cornwall, it is unlucky, if a female is the first to enter a house on New Year's morning.

In some of the northern countries of Scotland, it is considered unlucky to enter a person's house on New Year's day empty.

In Scotland, nothing that could be washed on the last night of the year was left unclean. Even the walls were whitewashed inside, lest misfortune should fall upon the family.

To break a white lamp-globe on New Year's day is a sure sign that you will experience great financial losses during the year.

To break a colored lamp-globe on New Year's day is a sign of the death of a near relative during the year.

The Chinese think it unlucky to allude to any possible misfortune on New Year's day.

It is unlucky to take ashes out of the house on New Year's day.

In Malta, a superstitious dread still attaches to some one of the family keeping absent at dinner time on New Year's day. He who doesn't dine with his family on New Year's day is expected to die at the end of that same year. It is also said in Malta that he who eats hotch-potch soup on New Year's day is to gnaw the ham bones all the rest of the year; and that those who eat cabbage on New Year's day will groan for a whole year.

For A Lucky New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:40:00 +0000

A branch of the plum-tree placed over the door at New Year's is very luck bringing, as the tree is so beautiful and fruitful.

The orange is placed over the door in Japan on New Year's day so that the family shall continue perpetually, and generation after generation shall follow each other like the buds, flowers, and fruit.

Cook cabbage on New Year's day and you will have good luck all the year.

Decorated apples stuck on three skewers are exchanged for luck on New Year's day in Great Britain.

It is lucky to have the last glass from the last bottle of wine on New Year's.

At Bromyard, England, at midnight, December 31st, a rush is made to the nearest well or spring of water, and he who gets the first drink of it, "the cream of the well," will have fine luck all the coming year.

The last glass of wine or spirits drained on New Year's eve is called the "Lucky Glass," and whoever is fortunate enough to get it, will be successful during the coming year.

In Japan oranges are hung up on New Year's day as a charm to insure the long life of the family.

Just before midnight on New Year's eve, the Chinese put on new or clean garments so as to enter the new year purely, and thus gain good fortune to themselves.

On New Year's eve at Biggar, Lanarkshire, a large bonfire of thornbush is lit and kept burning all night, and the boys jump over it for luck during the year.

A present of money given in China at the end of the old year is an auspicious omen for the new year.

Money presents from members of a household to each other are strung on a red string as a symbol of joy.

New Year's night quiet and clear indicates a prosperous year.

The Chinese think New Year's day is the luckiest of the year.

If you leave a glass of wine standing between eleven and twelve on New Year's night, and it runs over, the vintage will be good that year.

The Chinese say that if a man sits up for ten years in succession and sees the New Year come in, that he will have a very long life.

It is lucky to rise early on New Year's morning.

If a person receives money on New Year's day, it is a good omen, for they say that he or she will continue to do so all the year.

If the first carol singer who comes to the door on New Year's morning, is brought in at the front door, taken all through the house, and let out at the back door, it will bring luck to the house for a year.

The Europeans as well as the Japanese hang the "lucky bag," a square of white paper tied with a red and white string, over their gates on New Year's day for luck.

If you put a coin into the spout of a pump on New Year's eve, and bring it into the house the instant the clock has struck twelve, you will have a prosperous year.

The Germans have a superstition that if you serve "Hopping John" (peas and rice boiled together) at dinner on New Year's day, you will be lucky all the year.

In China a small white cock is killed on New Year's day, to bring good luck for the coming year.

It brings good luck to place a piece of money on the window on New Year's eve.

A triangular cake, filled with mince meat, was formerly baked, and bits of it fed on New Year's day to the cattle in Coventry, England, for good luck.

It is said to bring good luck through the year if you place a diamond, or a gold or silver coin, in a glass of water and drink of the water the first drink you take on New Year's morning.

Feed the birds well on New Year's morning by placing a sheaf of wheat or barley or some bread outside your house, then good luck will attend you, and good crops and prosperity come to you during the whole year.

To have peas for dinner on New Year's day is said to bring money all the year.

The inhabitants of Heligoland have a custom on New Year's eve to perambulate the streets with broken pots and pans which they place before their friends' doors, and the man who has the largest heap is the luckiest and most popular.

For fishermen to draw blood with hook or gun on New Year's morning is to insure a plentiful year.

It is considered good luck in England to sand the steps on New Year's day.

On New Year's eve the Chinese tie small gourds around the children's necks as a safe-guard against the small pox. Some Chinese put paper masks on their children on New Year's eve, believing that the small-pox god will pass them by, and not recognize them.

In Germany it is said that the person who eats millet and herring on New Year's day, will never be wanting of money during the year. Others eat seven or eight kinds of cake, one of them made of powdered poppy seed mixed with flour and water, in order to insure prosperity during the new year.

In the neighborhood of Gorlitz and in the Ukermark, on New Year's eve, straw bands are placed under the table and the guests rest their feet upon them; and afterwards they are taken out into the orchard and bound around the trees, so that they will bear well the next year. (German.)

In Turkey, on New Year's Day, every stranger entering the house must throw salt on the fire for luck.

At midnight on New Year's eve the Japanese father dressed in his richest attire sword in hand or sabre in his girdle, and with a box of roasted beans in his left hand, goes alone all through the house with his right hand scattering the wonderful beans around, saying: "Avaunt demons! Begone devils! Enter Fortune! Come in Prosperity!" This causes the evil spirits to leave.

The teacher in China who must send poems on New Year's day to the parents of his pupils, sits on New Year's eve writing them with a dish of rice and a vase of flowers before him on the table, these offerings to the sun causing him to write better rhymes.

To receive a letter containing good news on New Year's day, is a sign of good news coming all the year.

"He who is born on New-Year's morn
Will have his own way as sure as you're born."

In one locality in England, bands of straw were put under the feet on New Year's day while at table. When the meal was finished, one person got under the table and another one sat on his back and drew out the bands of straw. These were taken to the orchard and bound around trees, which were thereby insured to bear a full crop of fruit the next year.

Place a gold coin on the threshold when you lock your door on New Year's eve and take it off in the morning when the Church bell rings; you will then have money to spend all the year.

On New Year's day cakes called "Poplady" were eaten for luck. They rudely resembled the human figure with two dried currants or raisins for eyes, and another to represent the mouth; the lower part being formed somewhat like the case of an Egyptian mummy. This cake is no doubt a relic of Egyptian or Roman superstition.

New Year's night is celebrated in Hungary, the same as in most other countries, by much shouting and boisterousness generally. This is kept up all night, until daylight; to scare bad luck and evil spirits away, they say.

Source: Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, Folklore, and the Occult Sciences of the World

New Years Divinations

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:36:00 +0000

Some Albanian tribes celebrate their New Year on the first of September, and everything that happens during the day, presages the happenings of the months of the year, as to whether they will be lucky or not.

On New Year's day dip your thumb seven times in salt and put in your mouth all that rests on the nail. You will dream that your future husband or wife will bring you water. (Persia.)

On New Year's night, it was an old Welsh custom with the wise and courageous old men of the parish to sit up all night in the church porch. On that night, it was said, a voice, emanating from beneath the altar table, pronounced the names of those who should die within the coming year.

If a woman dies first in the year, then the greatest mortality during the year will be amongst women; and vice versa if a man dies first. (Gloucestershire, England.)

On New Year's eve, the Gurians in Russia place small pitchers of wine in each of the bed-rooms of the family; if in the morning the wine has increased, the harvest will be abundant; but if the wine is lessened, they will have bad luck that year.

During the time that the male Jews are at the synagogue on the night of the tenth of the month Tisri (Yorn Kippur, the day of atonement), the women light the candles and lamps at home, and according as the light burns prognosticate good or evil fortune.

If your first caller on New Year's day is a male, you will have good luck and many friends; if a female, bad luck and few friends.

Turn your pillow at midnight of the thirty-first of December, and you will dream of the one you are to marry.

If the sun shines on New Year's day, it is a sign that the flax will be straight.

He who steals on New Year's, can steal safely for a year.

Every Chinaman must perform the extraordinary act of taking a bath on New Year's day. To fail in this would be a bad sign.

The Chinese put potatoes in water on New Year's eve and prognosticate their fortunes by the way they grow. If they are not thrifty they will meet with trouble during the year.

At midnight on New Year's the Japanese build small fires on the floor of their houses and from the manner in which the flames arise, foretell what will be their luck during the coming year.

At Liege, Belgium, it is a bad sign if a little girl presents you the first wishes for a happy New Year, but lucky if it is a boy.

It is an old Dutch superstition that, if you want to marry the girl you love, your voice must be the first one she hears, and your face the first she sees, on New Year's morning.

Venetians consider it very important to notice whom you meet the first thing on New Year's day. If it is a man, you will have good luck, if a woman, bad luck; if a priest, you will die within the year; if a policeman, you will have litigation.

The first person of the opposite sex you meet on New Year's day will bear the Christian name of your future partner.

If ice melts on the 1st of January, it will freeze the 1st of April.

In one part of modern Greece all in the house go out early on New Year's morning each bearing a branch on which the leaves are well dried. These they cast on the open fire, each wishing at the same time good luck to the family. The greater the fire, the better the augury.

On New Year's eve take your hymn-book to your bedroom, blow out the lamp, open your book and mark a hymn (in the dark), put it under your pillow, and sleep on it. Next morning read the hymn, and its text will indicate the events of the year.

Your conduct on New Year's day is a forerunner of your conduct all the year.

It is said that whatever the experience of a person is on New Year's day, so it will be all the year, either tears or smiles.

In Scotland, the first person who comes to the house on New Year's day will govern the luck of the house for the year, and in this belief, the "first foot," is carefully watched.

In Transylvania on New Year's eve the young men of the family bind together as many wreathes as there are persons in the house and throw them over the roof. Those that fall indicate the ones who will die that year.

Lay a green ivy leaf in a dish on New Year's night, cover it with water and set it in a safe place until the fifth day of the year. If the leaf is then still green and fair, you will be safe from any sickness all the year; but if you find black spots on it, you may expect sickness.

In Pomerania and also in this country, young ladies believe that if they rapped at a poultry-house door at midnight on New Year's eve, and the cock cackled first, they would surely be married that year; but if the hen cackled first, they would remain maids.

"On New-Year's Day
Take out and then take in,
Bad luck will begin:
Take in, then take out,
Good luck will come about."

On New Year's eve, if a person wishes to know his fate during the coming year, he must go into the open air with a psalm book in one hand, and a piece of silver in his mouth. He must allow the book to fall open, and if it opens at the death psalm he will die; if it opens at a bridal psalm, he will marry; and whatever else it opens to, wul indicate his fate. (Sweden.)

A "plane-soled" or "flat-footed" person is considered in Scotland a sanctimonious person and unlucky to meet on New Year's day; while a hearty, merry fellow is good luck. It is necessary for all to drink every drop in the glass presented, and eat all of the bread given on that day, for good fortune. If anything unusual takes place on that day, it is noted and talked of all the year, so important to the village fortunes are the events of New Year's Day.

In Turkey, if a stranger visits you on New Year's day he must go to the hen-house and place an egg under a hen. If she does her duty and sits upon it the stranger is auspicious and is feted. It is called "the lucky foot."

"If New Year's-eve night wind blow south. It betokened] warmth and growth, If west much milk and fish in the sea, If north much cold and storms ther'd be, If east the trees will bear much fruit If north east Bee it, man and brute."

On New Year's eve the Italian maiden places in one corner of her bed room a thimble, in another water, in a third ashes, and in the fourth a ring. Upon waking in the morning if she sees the ring first, she will be married that year; if she sees the water first, the year will be unlucky; if the thimble, fortune will smile on her; if the ashes, she will die.

On New Year's morning take the Bible, lay it upon the table, open it and place your finger on the page at random. The verse upon which your finger touches will give some idea as to your future for the coming year.

The first baking after New Year's day, make as many little cakes as there are people in the house, give each a name, and pick a hole in it with your finger; if any one's hole gets baked up, he or she will die.

"With business is the year auspiciously begun:
But every artist, soon as he has tried.
Works but a bit, then lays his work aside."

As a weather guide the first day of the year is much regarded. East wind on New Year's day forecasts a year of cattle plague. West, the death of kings. S. W. epidemics, North, fertility.

Source: Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, Folklore, and the Occult Sciences of the World

Birch Tree Lore

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:58:00 +0000

Each month of the Celtic Lunar calendar bears the name of a tree. Birch is the 1st Moon of the Celtic Year - (Dec 24 - Jan 21).

Latin name: Yellow birch - betula alleghaniensis; black birch - betula lenta; canoe or common birch - betula papyrifea.
Celtic name: Beth (pronounced: beh)
Folk or Common names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Lady of the Woods, Birth, Canoe Tree, Paper Tree, Silver Birch, White Birch.
Meaning of the name: "Birch" is derived from the meaning "Bright" or "Shining" in Indo-European and Sanskrit terminology. Quite possibly it came from the Anglo-Saxon term "Beorgan" meaning "to protect or shelter"
Parts Used: Leaves, bark, wood, sap, branches.
Please note: never take bark off a living Birch tree, since this will kill it.

Herbal usage:
Birch leaves can be used to make an infusion that is good for breaking up kidney or bladder stones. Birch bark is an astringent and can be used to treat non-hereditary baldness. Birch tea can be made from the inner bark and leaves and this is good for rheumatism or as a sedative to aid sleep. Birch sap can be harvested the same way maple sap is, and then boiled down into birch syrup.

Magical History and Associations:

The bird associated with the Month of the Birch is the pheasant. Birch's color is white, its day is Sunday and its gemstone is red chard. The Celtic symbol of Birch is the White Stag with a rack with seven tines. Birch is associated with the element of water, is a tree of the sun and the planet Venus, and its Herbal Gender is feminine.

The Birch tree is sacred to the God Thor and the Goddesses Diana and Cerridwen. Birch is considered to be a Goddess tree, the symbol of summer ever-returning. The Birch is also a special tree to the Celts ("On a switch of birch was written the first Ogham inscription in Ireland, namely seven B's, as a warning to Lug son of Ethliu, to wit, 'Thy wife will be seven times carried away from you into fairyland or elsewhere, unless birch be her overseer." - Robert Graves, The White Goddess) and Birch wood is one of the nine traditional firewoods to be added to the Belfire that is burned at Beltane. It is one of the three pillars of Wisdom (Oak, Yew, Birch) and often symbolizes the first level of Druid working.

Birch trees often have Otherkin spirits attached to them and the "Lieschi" or "Genii of the Forest" are said to dwell in their tree tops. The Ghillie Dhu (pronounced "Gillee Doo or Yoo") are guardian tree spirits who are disguised as foliage and dislike human beings. They prefer birch trees to all others, and jealously guard them from humans. If the spirit of the Birch tree touches a head it leaves a white mark and the person turns insane. If it touches a heart, the person will die.

Magickal usage:

The month of Birch is a good time to do magick associated with new beginnings. Magickal work done in this moon adds strength and momentum to any new choices made. The Birch has applications in magick done for protection, creativity, exorcism, fertility, birth, healing, Forest Magic, Inner Authority/Self-Discipline, Lunar workings, love, and purification. Magickal protective uses of Birch include tying a red ribbon around the trunk of a birch to ward off the evil eye. Also, gently whapping someone with a Birch twig drives out negative energy, and Birch branches hung near a cradle will protect the newborn from psychic harm. In fact, cradles can be made from Birch wood to further protect a newborn. Many farmers plant Birch around their houses to protect against lightning.

For magical parchment, gather Birch bark from a tree that has been struck by lightning (chosen by Thor) - and the Birch paper will keep the writings safe. Because Birch wood has the qualities of exorcism and protection, its twigs are traditionally used to make witches' brooms. Brooms made of a mixture of Ash, Birch and Willow are said to be especially powerful in magick. Birch rods are also used in rustic rituals to drive out the spirits of the old year. Birch is also perfect to use to make a 'Goddess' wand, since Birch is the tree known as 'the Lady of the Woods' and a grove of Birch trees is an excellent place to communicate with the Goddess.

Birch wood is also a good choice for making rune sets to use for divination. Be sure to harvest your branch for the rune set during the waxing moon, and make sure you ask Odin or Byarka to inspire your work. Also ask the tree if it will allow you to take a branch and be sure to leave the tree an offering of thanks when you are done. Birch trees especially appreciate gifts such as pretty stones, sea shells, flowers or herbs.

Recommended Reading:

Source: dutchie.org

Sun in Capricorn

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:52:00 +0000

The Sun is in Capricorn from approximately December 22 to January 19, depending on the year.

Symbol: The Goat
Ruler: Saturn
Element: Earth
Season: Winter
Modality: Cardinal
Zodiac Placement: 10th Sign
Metal: Lead
Stone: Amber, Onyx
Color: Purple, Brown
Flowers: Carnation; Narcissus; Buttercups; Orchid
Anatomy: The knee, bones, skeleton

Keywords: tenacious, conservative, resourceful, disciplined, wise, ambitious, prudent, constant.

Capricorn is a feet-on-the-ground, eye-on-the-prize sign. Those with Sun in Capricorn have a realistic, grounded approach to life that can be seen no matter how dreamy the rest of the birth chart suggests. These people know how to do things, and to get things done.

Some Capricorns naturally turn their backs on things they deem too frivolous. They are very much concerned with things that are worthwhile—and that includes their own lives. Capricorns want to do and be something worthwhile. Like their Earth signs relatives, Taurus and Virgo, they need to feel useful and effective in the real world in order to be satisfied with their lives. But the Capricorn spin on the earth signs is that Capricorn possesses a stronger need for recognition in a worldly sense. They have a strong sense of society and its framework, and they feel most secure when they feel they are doing their part within that framework.

Capricorns like to pare things down, and take pleasure in the simple things in life. However, many are attracted to status symbols and these ones will wear the best clothes (tasteful ones!) and drive quietly impressive cars.

Comparing Capricorns to their symbol, the goat, brings up some interesting analogies. Solar Capricorns can see into the future, and plan for it. They don't mind taking things slowly, but they absolutely aim to get to the top of the mountain in life! They make their way steadily and sure-footedly; and their strength and singleness of purpose are admirable.

Capricorns can sometimes be rather lonely people, although they rarely let it show. They are often a little reserved—even standoffish. This is generally because they value all things practical, and they'll seldom wear their emotions on their sleeves, unless they have a particularly flamboyant Moon sign.

This is a sign that is surely the most resourceful of the zodiac. To some, Capricorns come across as unimaginative, but they can be enormously creative when it comes to the material world. They are generally very capable people with a strong sense of tradition and responsibility.

Many Capricorns have mastered the art of making people laugh. Their sense of humor can be of the deadpan variety—they're generally excellent at keeping a straight face. They can be bitingly sarcastic, too.

Capricorns are not known for taking too many risks in life. They value the beaten track and things "tried and true". This is not to say they are stick-in-the-muds — they simply value the hard work laid down by those who've been around before them.

Turn to your Capricorn friends for help when you need to really get things done. They'll have practical advice, and they'll help you organize and manage your life a little better. Capricorns are generally good with their "word", dependable, and rather loyal people.

Source: Cafe Astrology

Sign of the Carnation

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:57:00 +0000

"Simplicity is its own reward."

If you were born between December 22 and January 21, you were born under the sign of the Carnation. Those with the carnation flower sign are beautifully adept at putting things in order, and organizing. You are strong willed and determined for others to see your point of view. You are a natural leader, and others look to you to lean on. You can be driven and determined and this makes you a strong personality. You are no stranger to hard work, and you like to get things done your way. You like security, particularly if you are building a comfort zone with your own two hands.

Source: What's Your Sign

Yuletide Greetings!

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:02:00 +0000

Also known as: Yule, Alban Arthuan, Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year. It is from this point that the days begin slowly to become longer and longer. The sun is at its most southeastern point over the Tropic of Capricorn in the northern hemisphere and has no apparent northward or southward motion.

In the time of the ancient tribes this was a time of celebration, for it meant the turning point of winter and the eventual return of spring. Yule is the time when we honor the Goddess for giving birth to the sun once more. It is the time when the Oak King is victorious over the Holly King. The Holly King represents death and darkness that has ruled since Samhain, and the Oak King represents rebirth and life. The waning (diminishing) sun is overtaken by the waxing (increasing) sun, thus the days become longer after the victory of the Oak King.

Yule is a time when we do Rituals and celebrate the increasing daylight, to renew, and to see the world through the eyes of a child. Spells done at Yule tend to raise our spirits, and bring harmony, peace, and joy. During Yule we see the wisdom of past experience begin to glimmer. The experiences we yielded over the harvest season of the times gone past begin to be reborn as wisdom, new light, to guide us further down the Paths we have chosen.

It is customary for Witches to decorate the Yule tree, and adorn the house with holly, ivy and pine. It is time when Father Winter, a white bearded chap dress in red, fur trimmed robes, arrives bearing gifts and exchange gifts.

This is the eve when the Yule log from the previous year is burned in the fire. Symbolic of the newborn sun, each year's Yule log is of oak, charged in a Magic Circle and kept in sacred space the following Yule. This not only celebrates the oak and places it in a place of distinguished honor, but also ensures there will be fuel for the remainder of Winter.

Source: © Copyright 1996, Christina Aubin; used by permission

Mistletoe Magick

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:37:00 +0000

Ruller: Apollo, Druids, Venus
Type: Herb
Magickal Form: Berries, Leaves, Wood
Use for: Fertility, protection, love, healing, luck, and invisibility

Mistletoe is another important plant that is used in many holiday traditions surrounding the winter solstice. Druids believed that anything found growing on an oak tree had been sent from heaven and mistletoe found on oaks was especially sacred.

Said to lose its power once it touches the ground, mistletoe is a holy herb and sacred to many deities. Mistletoe was perceived as being in a category all its own. Although it lives on trees, it's not a tree. Although it's like a plant, it doesn't grow in either Earth or Water.

In the Celtic language, mistletoe means “All heal” and it was thought to possess miraculous healing powers and hold the soul of the host tree. Mistletoe would be hung over the entry into peoples’ homes and atop doorways within their homes as a token of good will and peace to all comers.

It is said that when warring Viking armies met under a tree in which mistletoe occurred that they would cease battle for the remainder of that day. Today, many people still hang mistletoe in their homes and couples kiss when they meet under the mistletoe.

In some traditions each time a couple kiss under the mistletoe a single white berry is removed and the kissing ceases when the final berry is removed. Kissing a lover under the mistletoe will make this relationship last. There is a myth associated with this practice that stated if any unmarried women of the household went unkissed during the hanging of the mistletoe, they would not marry in the coming year.

As a matter of fact, you can tie mistletoe with a red ribbon and hang it in your home any time of the year for luck, protection and extra kissing.

Adding mistletoe to other love potions increases their power.
Place the leaves or berries high on a mantel in the home to protect its occupants.
Leave a sprig of mistletoe in the home of someone you want to be remembered by.
Twist marjoram and thyme around mistletoe and hang it in the corners of each room to attract luck and good fortune.
Carve a ring from mistletoe wood and wear it for protection and to ward off illness.

Mistletoe is believed to possess a magical affinity for seizure disorders. To prevent seizures, carry a piece of mistletoe in your pocket or within a conjure bag. Jewelry and charms carved from mistletoe wood can also be worn or carried. The most potent mistletoe seizure charm is a magic knife with an iron blade and a handle carved from mistletoe wood.

Mistletoe berries resemble tiny golden moons enhancing the lunar and fertility symbolism. According to Pliny, a piece of mistletoe carried as an amulet helps a woman conceive. Fertility charms are carved from mistletoe wood, and then carried or attached to a pin and worn as a brooch. The most powerful mistletoe jewelry is embellished with pearls.

Mistletoe allegedly enhances the reproductive capacity of animals. Not only does it promote conception, it's believed to also prevent miscarriage, particularly for sheep and goats.

Hang mistletoe in the barn, or place it on around the animal in question. Be aware that the amuletic part of mistletoe is usually the "wood" - and again, be cautious as mistletoe can be toxic, especially the berries.

In Sweden mistletoe is known as "thunderbroom." Place it over thresholds, and hang it from the wall to protect a home from lightning. You can wear mistletoe around your neck to promote invisibility and hang it on a baby's cradle to prevent fairies from stealing the youngster.

CAUTION: The leaves and berries of mistletoe are poisonous. Use caution when handling and keep away from small children and pets.

Sources: The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells
and The Encyclopedia of Magickal Ingredients

Boughs of Holly

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:30:00 +0000

Oak and holly play an important role in many of our holiday celebrations surrounding the winter solstice. In ancient cultures the holly tree symbolized the waning sun commencing with the summer solstice and the oak tree symbolized the waxing sun commencing with the winter solstice.

The Druids believed holly’s evergreen nature made it sacred and that it remained green throughout winter to keep the earth beautiful at a time when deciduous trees shed their leaves.

Holly was used for decoration throughout homes with it being used for boughs over entrances to peoples’ homes or formed into holly wreaths that were hung on doors. Placing a ring of holly on doors originated in Ireland since holly was one of the main plants that was green and very beautiful with its red berries at this time of year and gave poor people a means of decorating their dwellings. Decorating one’s home with holly was believed to bring protection and good luck to the inhabitants in the coming year.

Source unknown

Sun in Sagittarius

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:52:00 +0000

The Sun is in Sagittarius from November 23 to December 21, depending on the year.

Symbol: The Archer
Ruler: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Season: Fall
Modality: Mutable
Zodiac Placement: 9th Sign
Metal: Tin
Stone: Topaz
Color: Turquoise
Flowers: Narcissus; Chrysanthemum;
Anatomy: Hips, Thighs, Muscles

Keywords: optimistic, restless, enthusiastic, adventurous, honest, irresponsible, outspoken, independent

Restless, cheerful, and friendly, Sun in Sagittarius people are generally on the go. They have a love of freedom, and a disdain for routine. Generally quite easygoing, Sagittarians make friends with people from all walks of life. They love to laugh and tease, and get along well with both sexes.

Sagittarians have an often blind faith in people, and in the world. Their optimism is infectious, although it can get them into trouble from time to time. These are curious people who love to learn. Their idealistic nature is hard to miss.

Although generally easygoing, Sagittarius is a fire sign. This gives natives a generally quick temper. Fortunately, they're usually as quick to forget what got them angry in the first place.

The need for escape is generally strong, and some Solar Sagittarians come across as a little irresponsible. They're generally easy to forgive, however. After all, their direct, honest approach in life is admirable.

Source: Cafe Astrology

Sign of the Narcissus

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:39:00 +0000

"Escape into my dreamy depth."

If you were born between November 22 and December 21, you were born under the sign of the Narcussus. Narcissus zodiac flower signs can be very influential and enjoy sharing their philosophical ideas with others. You are direct, to the point, trustworthy and honest. You are naturally wise, and you also are gifted with good luck. You come on strong, but have a sensitive side you don’t share with too many people. You have an active imagination and love to dream the days away.

Source: What's Your Sign

Narcissus The Myth

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:50:00 +0000

Narcissus or Narkissos (Greek: Νάρκισσος), possibly derived from ναρκη (narke) meaning "sleep, numbness," in Greek mythology was a hunter from the territory of Thespiae in Boeotia who was renowned for his beauty. He was exceptionally proud, in that he disdained those who loved him. Nemesis saw this and attracted Narcissus to a pool where he saw his own reflection in the waters and fell in love with it, not realizing it was merely an image. Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, Narcissus died.

Source: Wikipedia

November Magick

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:11:00 +0000

Eriskegal, great black mother of the House of Dust,
you who wait at the end of every life,
cast your dim black gaze upon the just
and, blinking once, give them rebirth.

While November is the eleventh month on modern calendars, it was once the ninth, as evidenced by the Latin number novem. In the United States, November contains one of the oldest national holidays - Thanksgiving.

Actually, festivals of gratitude combine with late harvest festivals in many parts of the world; at this time people pray for divine providence and give thanks for the earth's bounty. Other predominant festivals during early winter months include commemorative rites for the dead and rituals that protect individuals or whole communities from evil influences.

For people living in four-season climates, the snows begin to accumulate and winter winds decorate the windows with frosty reminders of the outside chill. Because of this, magic for continued health is fitting during November, as are spells and charms for protection.

Wintery months also seem to be a time for introspection - to us divination tools for foresight and preparation, to seek guidance within, and to ask the Goddess for a special spiritual vision to carry us through the last months of the year.

Source: 365 Goddess
Image from: 2008 Witches Calendar By Llewellyn

A Traditional Samhain Ritual

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Place upon the altar apples, pomegranates, pumpkins, squashes and other late autumn fruits. Autumn flowers such as marigolds and chrysanthemums are fine too. Write on a piece of paper an aspect of your life which you wish to be free of: anger, a baneful habit, misplaced feelings, disease. The cauldron or some similar tool must be present before the altar as well, on a trivet or some other heat-proof surface (if the legs aren’t long enough). A small, flat dish marked with an eight-spoked wheel symbol should also be there.

Prior to the ritual, sit quietly and think of friends and loved ones who have passed away. Do not despair. Know that they have gone on to greater things. Keep firmly in mind that the physical isn’t the absolute reality, and that souls never die.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the Circle of Stones. Recite a Blessing Chant, and invoke the Goddess and God in any way that feels right to you.

Lift one of the pomegranates and, with your freshly-washed white-handled knife, pierce the skin of the fruit. Remove several seeds and place them on the wheel-marked dish. Raise your wand, face the altar and say:

On this night of Samhain I mark your passing,

O Sun King, through the sunset into the Land of the Young.

I mark also the passing of all who have gone before,

and all who will go after. O Gracious Goddess,

Eternal Mother, You who gives birth to the fallen,

teach me to know that in the time of the greatest

darkness there is the greatest light.

Taste the pomegranate seeds; burst them with your teeth and savour their, bittersweet flavour. Look down at the eight-spooked symbol on the plate; the wheel of the year, the cycle of the seasons, the end and beginning of all creation.

Light a fire within the cauldron (a candle is fine). Sit before it holding the piece of paper, gazing at its flames. Say:

Wise One of the Waning Moon,

Goddess of the starry night,

I create this fire within your cauldron

to transform that which is plaguing me.

May the energies be reversed:

From darkness, light!

From bane, good!

From death, birth!

Light the paper in the cauldron’s flame and drop it inside. As it burns, know that your ill diminishes, lessens and finally leaves you as it is consumed within the universal fires.

If you wish, you may attempt scrying or some other form of divination, for this is a perfect time to look into the past or future. Try to recall past lives too, if you will. But leave the dead in peace. Honour them with your memories but do not call them to you. Release any pain and sense of loss you may feel into the cauldron’s flames.

Works of magic, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast. The circle is released.

From SimpleMagick.com

Halloween Gypsy Love Divinations

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:31:00 +0000

To find, from a list of potential suitors, whom you are most likely to marry, on Halloween night take one crab apple to represent each suitor. Prick the initials of each candidate into the skin of the apple selected. Leave the apples undisturbed in a box for almost a year, until Old Michaelmas Day (Oct 11). The most perfectly formed initials reveal the answer.

Another (and much quicker) method is to take as many hazelnuts as you have prospective partners. Name each nut accordingly before placing them evenly in the front of the fire. The nut that pops the loudest and burns most brightly says it all.

From: The Good Spell Book

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:09:00 +0000

by Robert Burns

Upon that night, when fairies light
On Cassilis Downans dance,
Or owre the lays, in splendid blaze,
On sprightly coursers prance;
Or for Colean the route is ta'en,
Beneath the moon's pale beams;
There, up the cove, to stray and rove,
Among the rocks and streams
To sport that night.
Among the bonny winding banks,
Where Doon rins, wimplin' clear,
Where Bruce ance ruled the martial ranks,
And shook his Carrick spear,
Some merry, friendly, country-folks,
Together did convene,
To burn their nits, and pou their stocks,
And haud their Halloween
Fu' blithe that night.
The lasses feat, and cleanly neat,
Mair braw than when they're fine;
Their faces blithe, fu' sweetly kythe,
Hearts leal, and warm, and kin';
The lads sae trig, wi' wooer-babs,
Weel knotted on their garten,
Some unco blate, and some wi' gabs,
Gar lasses' hearts gang startin'
Whiles fast at night.
Then, first and foremost, through the kail,
Their stocks maun a' be sought ance;
They steek their een, and graip and wale,
For muckle anes and straught anes.
Poor hav'rel Will fell aff the drift,
And wander'd through the bow-kail,
And pou't, for want o' better shift,
A runt was like a sow-tail,
Sae bow't that night.
Then, staught or crooked, yird or nane,
They roar and cry a' throu'ther;
The very wee things, todlin', rin,
Wi' stocks out owre their shouther;
And gif the custoc's sweet or sour.
Wi' joctelegs they taste them;
Syne cozily, aboon the door,
Wi cannie care, they've placed them
To lie that night.
The lasses staw frae 'mang them a'
To pou their stalks of corn:
But Rab slips out, and jinks about,
Behint the muckle thorn:
He grippet Nelly hard and fast;
Loud skirl'd a' the lasses;
But her tap-pickle maist was lost,
When kitlin' in the fause-house
Wi' him that night.
The auld guidwife's well-hoordit nits,
Are round and round divided,
And monie lads' and lasses' fates
Are there that night decided:
Some kindle coothie, side by side,
And burn thegither trimly;
Some start awa, wi' saucy pride,
And jump out-owre the chimlie
Fu' high that night.
Jean slips in twa wi' tentie ee;
Wha 'twas she wadna tell;
But this is Jock, and this is me,
She says in to hersel:
He bleezed owre her, and she owre him,
As they wad never mair part;
Till, fuff! he started up the lum,
And Jean had e'en a sair heart
To see't that night.
Poor Willie, wi' his bow-kail runt,
Was brunt wi' primsie Mallie;
And Mallie, nae doubt, took the drunt,
To be compared to Willie;
Mall's nit lap out wi' pridefu' fling,
And her ain fit it brunt it;
While Willie lap, and swore by jing,
'Twas just the way he wanted
To be that night.
Nell had the fause-house in her min',
She pits hersel and Rob in;
In loving bleeze they sweetly join,
Till white in ase they're sobbin';
Nell's heart was dancin' at the view,
She whisper'd Rob to leuk for't:
Rob, stowlins, prie'd her bonny mou',
Fu' cozie in the neuk for't,
Unseen that night.
But Merran sat behint their backs,
Her thoughts on Andrew Bell;
She lea'es them gashin' at their cracks,
And slips out by hersel:
She through the yard the nearest taks,
And to the kiln goes then,
And darklins graipit for the bauks,
And in the blue-clue throws then,
Right fear't that night.
And aye she win't, and aye she swat,
I wat she made nae jaukin',
Till something held within the pat,
Guid Lord! but she was quakin'!
But whether 'was the deil himsel,
Or whether 'twas a bauk-en',
Or whether it was Andrew Bell,
She didna wait on talkin'
To spier that night.
Wee Jennie to her grannie says,
"Will ye go wi' me, grannie?
I'll eat the apple at the glass
I gat frae Uncle Johnnie:"
She fuff't her pipe wi' sic a lunt,
In wrath she was sae vap'rin',
She notice't na, an aizle brunt
Her braw new worset apron
Out through that night.
"Ye little skelpie-limmer's face!
I daur you try sic sportin',
As seek the foul thief ony place,
For him to spae your fortune.
Nae doubt but ye may get a sight!
Great cause ye hae to fear it;
For mony a ane has gotten a fright,
And lived and died deleeret
On sic a night.
"Ae hairst afore the Sherramoor, --
I mind't as weel's yestreen,
I was a gilpey then, I'm sure
I wasna past fifteen;
The simmer had been cauld and wat,
And stuff was unco green;
And aye a rantin' kirn we gat,
And just on Halloween
It fell that night.
"Our stibble-rig was Rab M'Graen,
A clever sturdy fallow:
His son gat Eppie Sim wi' wean,
That lived in Achmacalla:
He gat hemp-seed, I mind it weel,
And he made unco light o't;
But mony a day was by himsel,
He was sae sairly frighted
That very night."
Then up gat fechtin' Jamie Fleck,
And he swore by his conscience,
That he could saw hemp-seed a peck;
For it was a' but nonsense.
The auld guidman raught down the pock,
And out a hanfu' gied him;
Syne bade him slip frae 'mang the folk,
Some time when nae ane see'd him,
And try't that night.
He marches through amang the stacks,
Though he was something sturtin;
The graip he for a harrow taks.
And haurls it at his curpin;
And every now and then he says,
"Hemp-seed, I saw thee,
And her that is to be my lass,
Come after me, and draw thee
As fast this night."
He whistled up Lord Lennox' march
To keep his courage cheery;
Although his hair began to arch,
He was say fley'd and eerie:
Till presently he hears a squeak,
And then a grane and gruntle;
He by his shouther gae a keek,
And tumbled wi' a wintle
Out-owre that night.
He roar'd a horrid murder-shout,
In dreadfu' desperation!
And young and auld came runnin' out
To hear the sad narration;
He swore 'twas hilchin Jean M'Craw,
Or crouchie Merran Humphie,
Till, stop! she trotted through them
And wha was it but grumphie
Asteer that night!
Meg fain wad to the barn hae gaen,
To win three wechts o' naething;
But for to meet the deil her lane,
She pat but little faith in:
She gies the herd a pickle nits,
And two red-cheekit apples,
To watch, while for the barn she sets,
In hopes to see Tam Kipples
That very nicht.
She turns the key wi cannie thraw,
And owre the threshold ventures;
But first on Sawnie gies a ca'
Syne bauldly in she enters:
A ratton rattled up the wa',
And she cried, Lord, preserve her!
And ran through midden-hole and a',
And pray'd wi' zeal and fervour,
Fu' fast that night;
They hoy't out Will wi' sair advice;
They hecht him some fine braw ane;
It chanced the stack he faddom'd thrice
Was timmer-propt for thrawin';
He taks a swirlie, auld moss-oak,
For some black grousome carlin;
And loot a winze, and drew a stroke,
Till skin in blypes cam haurlin'
Aff's nieves that night.
A wanton widow Leezie was,
As canty as a kittlin;
But, och! that night amang the shaws,
She got a fearfu' settlin'!
She through the whins, and by the cairn,
And owre the hill gaed scrievin,
Whare three lairds' lands met at a burn
To dip her left sark-sleeve in,
Was bent that night.
Whyles owre a linn the burnie plays,
As through the glen it wimpl't;
Whyles round a rocky scaur it strays;
Whyles in a wiel it dimpl't;
Whyles glitter'd to the nightly rays,
Wi' bickering, dancing dazzle;
Whyles cookit underneath the braes,
Below the spreading hazel,
Unseen that night.
Among the brackens, on the brae,
Between her and the moon,
The deil, or else an outler quey,
Gat up and gae a croon:
Poor Leezie's heart maist lap the hool!
Near lav'rock-height she jumpit;
but mist a fit, and in the pool
Out-owre the lugs she plumpit,
Wi' a plunge that night.
In order, on the clean hearth-stane,
The luggies three are ranged,
And every time great care is ta'en',
To see them duly changed:
Auld Uncle John, wha wedlock joys
Sin' Mar's year did desire,
Because he gat the toom dish thrice,
He heaved them on the fire
In wrath that night.
Wi' merry sangs, and friendly cracks,
I wat they didna weary;
And unco tales, and funny jokes,
Their sports were cheap and cheery;
Till butter'd so'ns, wi' fragrant lunt,
Set a' their gabs a-steerin';
Syne, wi' a social glass o' strunt,
They parted aff careerin'
Fu' blythe that night.