Gypsy Magic

Snapdragon - A Wishing Game

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Here is an old old spell you can use as a way to say farewell to the Solstice and make a wish for the coming twelve months. It's less dangerous than it seems, though care should always be taken.

Fill a shallow dish with raisins and pour a few spoonfuls of brandy over them. As you pour the brandy, say the following:

You shall receive whatever gift you may name,

as far as wind dries, rain wets, sun revolves;

as far as sea encircless and earth extends.

Put out the lights, then set the brandy on fire. While it is still going, snatch one of the raisins from the flames. As you put the raisin in your mouth, make a wish. It will be granted in the next twelve months.

When doing this with a group, each person gets just one raisin. when doing it alone, you can pull out 3 raisins and make three wishes.

Bath for Protection and Purification

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:41:00 +0000

Place one teaspoon of dried basil in a cup of boiling water. Leave for five minutes, and then strain.

Add the liquid to your bath water to bring a protective and cleansing influence. This herbal bath is particularly useful to rid oneself of the negative feelings left by contact with those who are controlling.

source

Which Magickal Tradition Do You Follow?

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 13:17:00 +0000

I took this cool little quiz, and found it extremely interesting! Turns out I'm actually a Babylonian-Pagan-Old English Heathen! LOL! I knew Gypsies must have came from Babylon.

More Free SelectSmart.com Widgets

A Christmas Salutation

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:45:00 +0000

I salute you!

There is nothing I can give you which you have not.

But there is much, that while I cannot give,

you can take.

No heaven can come to us, unless our hearts find rest in it today.

Take heaven!

No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant.

Take peace!

The gloom of the world is but a shadow.

Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy.

Take joy!

And so at this Christmastime, I greet you,

With the prayer that for you, now, and forever,

The day breaks, and the shadows flee away.

~Italian 16th Century benison

Invoking the Holly King

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:11:00 +0000

Today we do bid Hail to our beloved Holly King
With these ancient carols, we do again sing
He who is called Father Christmas is returning yet again
As the Solstice's longest night has finally begun
We await you, Santa Claus, Lord of Winter
To honor you on this day that you always were
Saint Nicholas, patron of children on Gaia's sphere
This invocation, we pray you do hear
Come bless us, upon this season of the Yuletide
Great Holly King as you fly upon your sleigh ride
Whether your gifts to us be physical or spiritual
We know that they will always be most magical
Grateful, because we know your blessings' great worth
We offer a blessing of our own --- Peace on Earth!

by Ginger Strivelli

'Twas the night before Yule

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:50:00 +0000

'Twas the night before Yule, and all through the Coven,

The cookies were baked and removed from the oven.

The bayberry candles were lit on the table,

The altar was wrapped in a new cloth of sable.

The children were nestled, all snug in their beds,

While visions of Yuletime danced in their heads.

Their stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that some presents soon would be there!

With Rocker in his new robe, and I in mine,

We were asking our Goddess her blessing divine.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

We sprang from our Circle to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, tripping over my sash,

My eyes were a-glamoured with a bright silver flash.

The moon on the breasts of the Goddess and God

Drew my eyes to behold the blessed Circle they trod.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But the manifestations of all those we hold Dear.

The physical forms of those whom we pray to,

Even Saint Nick, and his miniature sleigh, too!

Jehovah, Mohammet, Shiva, Hera and Thor.

Zeus, Freya, Brahma, and many, many more.

All the Spiritual Entities who'd ever been mentioned.

Even some, like dear Loki, who sowed seeds of dissension.

They greeted eah other with smile, warm and sweet.

Then, forming a Circle, they all took a seat.

With multiple Voices all joined as One,

The Corners were Called. And, when that was done.

The Chalice was passed from Hand to Hand.

Then, a blanket of silence enfolded the land.

A crystal clear Voice began to hold sway.

Which Deity spoke? I could not say.

But, clearly, I heard all the love in that Voice.

It caused my tired heart to take flight and rejoice.

"Our Children, it seems, have missed the whole point.

"We now join together, their hearts to anoint.

"Pour all of Our love O'er their hearts of stone.

"Let them see that together they're never alone!

"Show them it matters not which of Us that they choose.

"Their sad hate and mistrust cause each of Us to lose!"

As I stood there transfixed, I could suddenly see

If we all stand as one, what a world this could be!

Put ALL of our differences well behind us.

Let the love of the Gods enfold and remind us.

We ARE all the same,though varied our skins.

We all dream the same dreams, we all sin the same sins.

With a look of enlightenment etched on my face,

I beheld all the Gods in Their glory and grace!

They all bowed Their heads then said"So mote it be!"

They all smiled at each Other bestowing winks on me.

One by One they disappeared from my sight.

Just the Goddess and God were left in the light.

As slowly They twinkled, fading by degree,

"Happy Yuletide to all!!

Blessed be times three!"

~Written by Mary, a.k.a. Wandering Poet, a.k.a.littlebit~

Permission to reprint granted to all who keep keep this credit line by the author

A Winter Solstice Story For Children

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:52:00 +0000

A group of little Faeries huddled in their home deep under the roots of a giant oak tree. They were safe and snug in their tiny underground cave lined with dandelion fluff, bird feathers, and dried moss.
Outside, the wind blew cold and the snow fell softly down to cover the ground. "I saw the Sun King today," the faerie named Rose said as she pulled her mossy cloak tighter about her. "He looked so old and tired as he walked off through the forest. What is wrong with him?

"The great oak said he's dying" answered Daffodil.

"Dying? Oh, what will we do now?", Little Meadow Grass started to cry, "If the Sun King dies, our little plant friends will not grow. The Birds will not come and sing again. Everything will be winter for ever!" Lilac, Dandelion and Elder Blossom tried to comfort their friend, but they were all very sad. As they huddled together, there was a knock on the tiny door.

"Open up, Faeries," called out a loud voice. "Why are you hiding instead of joining us in our Solstice celebration?" Rose opened the door and the little gnome Brown Knobby pushed inside, shaking the glistening snowflakes off his brown coat and hat.

"We are too sad to celebrate," Daffodil said wiping her eyes, "The Sun King is dying, haven't you heard?"

"He is dead you silly Faeries." Brown Knobby's round dark eyes sparkled with laughter. "Now hurry, or we'll be late for the celebration!"

"How can you be happy and laughing?!" Elder Blossom stamped her little foot and frowned at the gnome. "If the Sun King IS dead, it will be winter always. We will never see the Sun again!"

"Silly little child-Faeries." Brown Knobby grabbed Dandelion by the hand and pulled her to her feet. "There is a secret to the Winter Solstice. Don't you want to know what it is?"

The Faeries looked at him in surprise. "Secret?" they all said. "What secret? We are only new little Faeries, you silly gnome. We've never been to a Solstice celebration before."

"Come and see. Come and see. Get your capes and come with me." Brown Knobby danced and jigged around the room. "Hurry, Hurry, don't be slow! To the Sacred Oak Grove through the snow!" He danced out of the door and disappeared.

"What did that gnome mean?" Rose asked as she gathered up her cloak of dried rose petals held together with cobwebs and lined with goose down.

"I don't know, but the Lady lives in the Sacred Grove." Meadow Grass pulled on her hat.

"Perhaps if we go to see the Goddess, She can explain what Brown Knobby was talking about".

The Faeries left their snug little home and trudged off through the snow toward the sacred oak grove. The forest was dark with only the light of the Moon shining down through the thick fir branches and bare limbs of maple and hawthorn. It was very difficult for them to get through the snow because they were very, very small. As they waded through the wet snow and shivered in the cold wind, they met a fox.

"Where are you going, Faeries?" the fox asked.

"To the sacred grove," they answered, they were cold and shivering.

"Climb on my back and I will take you there swiftly."

The fox knelt down so the Faeries could climb up. Then he raced off through the dark.

"Listen!" Lilac said as they neared the Grove of Sacred trees. "Someone is singing happy songs. A LOT of someones."

The beautiful music carried over the cold, still, moonlit air. It was the most beautiful music the Faeries had ever heard. The fox carried the Faeries right to the edge of the stone altar in the center of the grove, then knelt down.

"Look!" said Elder Blossom as they slid to the snow covered ground. "There is the Maiden and the Mother and the OLD Wise Crone, and many other Little People."

"They are all smiling and happy," said Lilac as she looked around at all the creatures.

"All the animals are here too," whispered Dandelion. "Why are they all looking at the Mother?"

The Faeries moved closer to the three Ladies seated on the altar stone. The Mother held a bundle close in Her arms, smiling down at it. The Maiden reached down and took the Faeries gently in her Hands. She held them close to the Mother so they could see what She held.

"A Baby!" the Faeries cried. " A new little Baby! Look how he glows!"

"He is the newborn Sun King," said the Maiden smiling.

"But Brown Knobby and the old oak tree said the Sun King was dead," the Faeries answered her. "How can this little baby be the Sun King?"

"That is the great secret of the Winter Solstice." The Old Wise One touched the baby's cheek with her wrinkled hand. "Every year the Sun King must come to the sacred grove during the darkest days of winter where he dies. I take his spirit to the Mother who gives him new life again. This is the way for all creatures, not just the Sun King."

" You mean everything lives and dies and lives again? the Faeries looked down in wonder at the baby Sun King, nestled in the arms of the Mother.

" Yes, Little Ones," answered the Old Wise Crone. "There is never an end to life. This is the great mystical secret of the Winter Solstice."

The Faeries laughed because they were so happy.

"I think the little Sun King should have gifts," said Rose. "I will show him where the wild roses bloom in the early summer."

"And, I will teach him to call the birds and listen to the songs of the wind," exclaimed Dandelion.

"When he is older and stronger, " said the Mother, "then the flowers will bloom at his touch, the birds will return to sing their songs, and the air will be warm from his breath, and winter will be gone for a time. Then the Sun King will run and play with you in the forest."

The little Faeries sang to the Baby Sun King, songs of the coming spring, the sweet smelling flowers, the bumbling bees, and all the secrets of the forest. And all the creatures within the sacred grove sang with them. Then the fox took them back to their snug home under the roots of the giant oak tree where they dreamed wonderful dreams, waiting for the warmth of spring and the fun they would have with the little Sun King.

(author unknown)

Yuletide Holiday Svaijko

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:34:00 +0000

Here's a recipe for a delicious Yuletide holiday svaijko. It is a freely adapted modern version of a very old, traditional Romany holiday recipe.

For the dough:

25 grams of yeast
60 grams of butter
2.5 deciliters of water
0.5 deciliters of sugar
1 liter of flour

For the filling:

100 grams of sour cream
Sugar
Raisins
100 grams of butter
200 grams of sweet chocolate

Mix the yeast, butter, water sugar and flour in a bowl so that you get a firm dough. In another bowl, mix sour cream, sugar and raisins.

Roll out the dough so that it is flattened, and spread the filling all over it. Shred the chocolate all over. Roll up the dough into a cylinder shaped roll - but carefully, so that the filling does not leak.

Brush the roll with butter, and spread some sugar all over it.

Bake it in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius (390 degress Fahrenheit) for about 40 minutes, until the roll is relatively firm inside.

Slice the roll into appropriate pieces. Serve it as a snack after the Christmas dinner, and your Christmas feast will be a great success!

NOTE:
If you need to convert the measurements there is a nifty calculator at Diana's Desserts.

Holly Tree Lore

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:51:00 +0000

It is during June that the light of the sun reaches its culmination, and then begins its descent into earth. The Holly speaks to the fierce capacity of the human soul to take the descent into the underworld, bringing inner light into darkness. Thus we can understand the signature of the tree, with its ability to germinate without sunlight, favoring dark, moist conditions that are more strongly related to the downward earth pole. Its stiff, pointed leaves are not unlike thorns or "spears." The Holly yields a hard, white close-grained wood that imparts a quality of solidity and impermeability, as it stands in the depths of winter, impervious to cold and darkness with its somber evergreen color.

The Druid initiates developed a sacred alphabet, called the Ogham, based upon the archetypal qualities of trees. The Holly, known in Gaelic as Tinne ruled the eighth moon of the year, or the month of June. The glyph for Holly is that of a spear, meaning literally, "I am a battle-waging spear."

Of all the trees in the Ogham, the Holly and the Oak are most primordial—they are viewed as two "kings" who exchange leadership on a yearly basis by engaging in symbolic battle. The Gaelic name for Holly—Tinne—is related to the word, tanist, meaning "dark twin." The Oak King rules from the time the light begins its ascent in December until the summer solstice in June. Holly is the "dark twin" who reigns during the waning light of the year, until winter solstice.

The Holly's prominence at Christmas is actually meant to represent a culminating experience within the soul life. It is an awakening of the love forces of the heart achieved through a descent into the interior of the self and the earth that comes to fruition during this festival. This understanding is depicted in Rudolf Steiner's Calendar of the Soul. Steiner is a modern initiate who incorporated the mystery streams of earlier cultures, including Druidic wisdom. His calendar is a series of 52 runic verses for each week of the year. Beginning at summer solstice, the soul gradually finds its way into an interior reality, moving out of the great cosmic heights. The sense of self coalesces like a seed, with light working into the inmost being, as a purifying and strengthening force. Then, at winter solstice, this light is quickened and shines forth from the heart chakra:

To carry spirit light into
World Winter-night
My heart is ardently impelled
That shining seeds of soul
Take root in world ground
And the Holy Word resounds
Through the darkness of the senses
Transfiguring all life.

In subsequent winter verses Steiner describes this activity of the soul as a "heart-high gladness". It is the inner light of Self-containment gained by living in "spirit depths"—at one with the "world ground." The soul is so solidly secure and anchored within itself that nothing can assail one's sense of deep peace. When this consciousness is mastered, the journey inward of the Self is complete. The heart awakens with a streaming of love, gradually seeking its way outward into the sense world again to meet the expansive forces of the light in spring and summer. We could say that the Holly flower which blooms in outer nature in late spring/summer, blossoms again in the human heart during winter as a force of love. Its nature is a sun force that lives, not in the heights but in the depths of the earth.

Perhaps the most profound archetypal picture of Holly is evoked through its symbolism as the Crown of Thorns. As the traditional Christmas carol proclaims, Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.

Druid priests wore Holly in their hair while collecting the sacred mistletoe medicine in the winter, Holly was also worn as a crown to represent the Holly King in seasonal festivals. The Holly Crown was a sign of deepest respect and recognition that such an initiate had mastered the forces of nature in harmony with the human soul.

The Holly tree came to be known as Christ-Thorn in middle Europe, for it was recognized that this plant spoke to the archetypal reality of the Crown of Thorns as a soul initiation. The Crown of Thorns is also a kind of "beheading." The false self must be pressed down with a Crown of Thorns until it finds a deeper truth in the human heart. The "battle waging spear" is thrust not outside, but within. Holly teaches us that we cannot find love outside ourselves, if it is not anchored from within the human heart. Holly creates what is divine from within what is human. Holly helps the human heart know its own wholeness; its own holiness.

~Exerpted from Holly The Heart Healer,
a wonderful article by Patricia Kaminski.

Thin German Crepes

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:56:00 +0000

These pancakes are perfect for the morning after the Solstice, and are excellent served the European way: with a sprinkling of sugar and fresh lemon juice squeezed on top.

5 well beaten eggs...add salt, sugar and flour to beaten eggs to make a smooth paste.
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 1/4 cups milk

Add milk and stir well until thin and creamy. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken. Stir again and cook as pancakes with a hot buttered pan. Re-apply small amounts of butter as needed. Serve with lemons and sugar, rolled up and cut, or with any accompaniments you can think of.

Source: Auramooth's Wiccan Page

The Song of the Holly Fairy

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:19:00 +0000

O, I am green in Winter~time,
When other trees are brown;
Of all the trees (So saith the rhyme)
The holly bears the crown.
December days are drawing near.
When I shall come to town,
And carol-boys go singing clear
Of all the trees (O hush and hear!)
The holly bears the crown!
For who so well-beloved and merry
As the scarlet Holly Berry?

Flower Fairies of the Winter,
Cicely Mary Barker

Rebirth

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:46:00 +0000

In lighting the fires, in stringing the lights, we do more than stave off the darkness, even more than honor the sun. We also stand with fierce courage to say to the darkness, "You may come this far but no further!" We have given the darkness its due, we have watched it leach the light from our lives for as long as we had to; now the long night is over, we can tentatively bring our own lights back from hiding, and let the new days begin.

This Turning of the Year, the returning of the light, this most hopeful of all days,has been celebrated across cultures and throughout millennia so, however you choose to participate, you will be part of an ancient tapestry. Whether you float old ideas and sorrows out to sea on paper mache boats with candles, make a Yule wreath to honor the sacred circle of life, death and rebirth, find a Yule log and burn it in your fireplace, or join the Fairies in ringing bells on Solstice morning to welcome back the sun, remember that this is a festival of inner rebirth. No matter how dark it seems, how completely dead the world appears, nature - including the holly and the ivy and the oak - teaches us that there is always rebirth.

source: Fairywoodland.com

The Winter Solstice

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:39:00 +0000

At the Winter Solstice we celebrate by bringing warmth, light and cheerfulness into this dark time of the year. Holidays such as this have their origins as "holy days". They are the way human beings mark the sacred times in the yearly cycle of life. On this shortest day of the year, the sun is at its lowest and weakest, a pivot point from which the light will grow stronger and brighter. This is the pivot point of the year. The Romans called it Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.

A simple way to celebrate this day is with a small candle lighting ceremony. The purpose being to celebrate this time of renewal in our lives, to give thanksgiving for the past and the present and to offer a blessing for the year to come.

How to: Create a small sacred space. Decorate it in a way that feels cheerful, warm, and bright. In the center place a white candle. As the sun sets on this day, light the candle, and say a few words about bringing the light forth in your life, in the lives of your family and loved ones in the coming year. Either allow the candle to burn out of it's own accord, or relight it every evening until Jan 1st.

I am the Holly King

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:25:00 +0000

I am the Holly King, the dying Sun and King of the Old Year

Like the Phoenix who rises anew from its ashes

I too shall return, born anew

As the Child, the New Sun and King

I hold in my arms

He is my son and my heir

He is my Self

Having learned the wisdoms of the South

I now return to the North

To bring you warmth and light

And the promise of Spring

I am the Holly King.

~R.

Winter Solstice Chant

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Geese and standing stones and mist,
Baying hounds and hooting owl,
Sparkling stars, snow is crisp
Herne is here. Bring forth the Bowl.

rebirth of the Sun
longest night of the year
winter Solstice
Alban Arthuan
celebrations
holly king
oak king
father Christmas
introspect
the future
Yule log,
evergreen
cedar
holly
mistletoe
candles
clove studded fruit
nutmeg
spices
wassail
ale
caroling
mumming
family bonds
love
peace goodwill
honor the God and Goddess

Hymn To The Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Shamash was the Sun God of ancient Babylon. The prayer that follows is one of the longest and most beautiful of the hymns that have come down to us in cuneiform. I think this would make an awesome invocation, prayer, or meditation to greet the Sun as morning dawns after the longest night of the year (The Winter Solstice).

Hail Shamash

You climb to the mountains surveying the earth,

You suspend from the heavens the circle of the lands.

You care for all the peoples of the lands,

And everything that Ea, king of the counsellors, had created is entrusted to you.

Whatever has breath you shepherd without exception,

You are their keeper in upper and lower regions.

Regularly and without cease you traverse the heavens,

Every day you pass over the broad earth. . . .

Shepherd of that beneath, keeper of that above,

You, Shamash, direct, you are the light of everything.

You never fail to cross the wide expanse of sea,

The depth of which the Igigi know not.

Shamash, your glare reaches down to the abyss

So that monsters of the deep behold your light. . . .

Among all the Igigi there is none who toils but you,

None who is supreme like you in the whole pantheon of gods.

At your rising the gods of the land assemble,

Your fierce glare covers the land.

Of all the lands of varied speech,

You know their plans, you scan their way.

The whole of mankind bows to you,

Shamash, the universe longs for your light. . . .

Every single person is entrusted to your hands;

You manage their omens; that which is perplexing you make plain.

You observe, Shamash, prayer, supplication, and benediction,

Obeisance, kneeling, ritual murmurs, and prostration.

The feeble man calls you from the hollow of his mouth,

The humble, the weak, the afflicted, the poor,

She whose son is captive constantly and unceasingly confronts you.

He whose family is remote, whose city is distant,

The shepherd [amid) the terror of the steppe confronts you,

The herdsman in warfare, the keeper of sheep among enemies.

Shamash, there confronts you the caravan, those journeying in fear,

The travelling merchant, the agent who is carrying capital.

Shamash, there confronts you the fisherman with his net,

The hunter, the bowman who drives the game,

With his bird net the fowler confronts You.

The prowling thief, the enemy of Shamash,

The marauder along the tracks of the steppe confronts you.

The roving dead, the vagrant soul,

They confront you, Shamash, and you hear all.

You do not obstruct those that confront you. . . .

For my sake, Shamash, do not curse them!

You grant revelations, Shamash, to the families of men,

Your harsh face and fierce light you give to them. . . .

The heavens are not enough as the vessel into which you gaze,

The sum of the lands is inadequate as a seer's bowl.......

You deliver people surrounded by mighty waves,

In return you receive their pure, clear libations. . . .

They in their reverence laud the mention of you,

And worship your majesty for ever. . . .

Which are the mountains not clothed with your beams?

Which are the regions not warmed by the brightness of your light?

Brightener of gloom, illuminator of darkness,

Dispeller of darkness, illuminator of the broad earth.

The Birthday of the Unconquered Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:25:00 +0000

Soon it will be Yule, Christmas, the Winter Solstice. Another name for this special time is The Birthday of the Unconquered Sun, or Dies Natalis Invicti Solis. One really great way to honor the Sun (and yourself) is with a series of body positions called Sun Salutations. An excellent time to begin this ritual is on the morning of the Winter Solstice just as the sun is rising, (facing east). If a sunrise Sun Salutation isn't possible, but you want to include this in your morning routine, pick a time before breakfast, and that will be fine.

The Sun Salutation, (Surya Namaskar), is a series of 12 yoga postures performed in a single, graceful flow. Each movement is coordinated with the breath. Inhale as you extend or stretch, and exhale as you fold or contract. The Sun Salutation builds strength and increases flexibility. Different styles of yoga perform the Sun Saluation with their own variations. However, the flow presented below covers core steps used in most styles.

For the series below, a single round consists of two complete sequences: one for the right side of the body and the other for the left.

Even on days when you think you have no time for yoga, try and do at least one or two rounds of the Sun Salutation. You'll feel the difference.

1. Mountain:

Begin by standing in Mountain pose, feet about hip width apart, hands either by your sides or in prayer position. Take several deep breaths.

2. Hands up:

On your next inhale, in one sweeping movement, raise your arms up overhead and gently arch back as far as feels comfortable and safe.

3. Head to knees:

As you exhale, bend forward, bending the knees if necessary, and bring your hands to rest beside your feet.

4. Lunge:

Inhale and step the right leg back

5. Plank

Exhale and step the left leg back into plank position. Hold the position and inhale.

6. Stick

Exhale and lower yourself as if coming down from a pushup. Only your hands and feet should touch the floor.

7. Upward Dog

Inhale and stretch forward and up, bending at the waist. Use your arms to lift your torso, but only bend back as far as feels comfortable and safe. Lift your legs up so that only the tops of your feet and your ahnds touch the floor. It's okay to keep your arms bent at the elbow.

8. Downward dog

Exhale, lift from the hips and push back and up.

9. Lunge

Inhale and step the right foot forward.

10. Head to knees

Exhale, bring the left foot forward and step into head-to-knee position.

11. Hands up

Inhale and rise slowly while keeping arms extended .

12. Mountain

Exhale, and in a slow, sweeping motion, lower your arms to the sides. End by bringing your hands up into prayer position. Repeat the sequence, stepping with the left leg.

If the stick figures are not quite "doing" it for you, here's a video:

Incense for Yule

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Frankincense
Symbolizing: Sun, Purification, Consecration, Protection, Spiritual Illumination
Forms: incense, oils
Divinities: Sun Gods, Ra at Dawn, Bel

Myrrh
Symbolizing: Healing, Death and Afterlife, Purification, Inner Peace
Forms: incense, oils
Divinities: Isis, Ra at Midday

Yule Oil
2 drops of each Cinnamon and Clove oil
1 drop of mandarin oil
1 drop of popine oil
2 drops each frankincense and Myrrh oil.

Yule Incense
2 parts Frankincense
2 part Pine Needles or resin
1 Part Cedar
1 Part Juniper Berries
Mix and smolder on Yule (on or around December 21st), or during the winter months to cleanse the home and to attune with the forces of nature amid the cold days and nights.

(The above recipe for "Yule Incense" is from Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews )

Other Scents and Incense for Yule celebrations and spells:

Pine,
Cedar,
Bayberry,
Cinnamon,

The Yule Log

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:46:00 +0000

On the winter solstice, on the longest night of the year, people would place and set afire an entire tree, that was carefully chosen and brought into the house with great ceremony. The largest end of the log would be placed into the fire hearth while the rest of the tree stuck out into the room! The log would be lit from the remains of the previous year's log which had been carefully stored away and slowly fed into the fire through the Twelve Days of Christmas.

It was considered important that the re-lighting process was carried out by someone with clean hands.

Tradition has it that the burning of the Yule log was performed to honor the Great Mother Goddess. The log would be lit on the eve of the solstice using the remains of the log from the previous year and would be burned for twelve hours for good luck and protection. As the fire began all other lights would be extinguished and the people would gather round the fire. In thanksgiving and appreciation for the events of the past year and in bidding the year farewell each person would toss dried holly twigs into the fire.

The next phase of the burning of the Yule log commenced with people tossing oak twigs and acorns into the fire and they would shout out their hopes and resolutions for the coming New Year and sing Yuletide carols. The celebration of the Yule log fire ended with unburned pieces of the Yule log saved to start the fire of next winter’s solstice Yule log.

The custom of the Yule Log spread all over Europe and different kids of wood are used in different countries. In England, Oak is traditional. The “mighty oak” was the most sacred tree of Europe, representing the waxing sun, symbolized endurance, strength, protection, and good luck to people in the coming year. In Scotland, it is Birch; while in France, it's Cherry. Also, in France, the log is sprinkled with wine, before it is burnt, so that it smells nice when it is lit.

Ashes from the Yule log are very beneficial to garden plants, however, it is considered very unlucky to throw out the ashes of the Yule log on Christmas day.

Various chemicals can be sprinkled on the log like wine to make the log burn with different coloured flames! Here's a short list. Be sure to follow safety precautions if you plan on using them!!

Potassium Nitrate = Violet
Barium Nitrate = Apple Green
Borax = Vivid Green
Copper Sulphate = Blue
Table Salt = Bright Yellow

Yule Log

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:05:00 +0000

Ingredients

4 eggs, yokes and whites separated
1/4 cup white granulated sugar
1/ cup white granulated sugar(Yes, I know sugar is listed twice...)
1/2 tsp vanilla (or peppermint extract, almond extract...)
2/3 cup white flour
1/4 cup cocoa (the dry powered, not the blocks)
1 teaspoon baking powder
Whipped cream
Chocolate icing (Homemade or store bought)

Directions

Using a wire whip or hand held electric mixer, beat the egg yolks until thick and very close to the color of lemon peels. Gradually add in the 1/2 cup sugar. Set aside. Using extremely clean beaters, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Peaks will form but will quickly "slump" over. (Note: oils and fats on the beater or in the bowl will prevent the egg white from whipping correctly.) Gradually add in 1/2 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. They will hold the peaks very well at this point. Gently fold the egg whites into the egg yolks. Try not to beat it up too bad, this cake raises mostly because of the air you've just incorporated into the eggs.

Sift the dry ingredients together. Gently mix or fold into the egg mixture.

Spread batter evenly into a well greased and floured jelly roll pan (15 1/2" x 10 1/2" x 1" pan). Bake at 375 degrees for about 10-12 minutes.

When done, a tooth pick inserted into the center will come out clean.

Immediately loosen the sides and turn the cake out onto a lint-free towel that has been sprinkled with flour or powdered sugar. Starting at the narrow edge, roll the cake and the towel up together. When cool, unroll and remove the towel. Completely cover the upper surface with the whipped cream. We like to add shreds of chocolate, but this is optional.

Re-roll the cake. Now you have a brown and white spiraled "log". Place it on the serving tray or plate to ice it because you won't be able to move it to another server once it has been iced. Spread the chocolate icing over the surface of the cake, don't worry about it being even.

After the surface is covered, take a fork to make short,wavy patterns coming the entire surface to give a log like texture.

If you want, garnish the center with small pine trimmings or cones (clean ones...)

source

The Charge of the Dark Goddess

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:27:00 +0000

Listen to the words of the Dark Mother, who of old was called Hecate, Nuit, Morrigan, Banba, Erda, Macha, MotherNight, Sekhmet, and many other names:

Whenever you seek wisdom, at the time of the Darkening Moon, come together in love and trust and learn of Me, who am the Wisest of Crones...Ye who search the mysteries of the Earth, the secrets of Air and Darkness, of Blood and Fire, the silence of the uttermost stars, come unto me, and I shall whisper to you in the depths of midnight.

Ye shall approach Me in silence, and as a sign that ye are free from fear, your breast you shall bare to My blade...for fear has no place in My mysteries, and that which you seek of me will destroy you if you fear it.

For I am the dolmen arch beyond which stretch the mysteries of infinity. I am the silence before birth and after death. I am the clouded mirror in which you scry your own soul. I am mist in the twilight, the vast and starry sky of midnight, shadows on the Moon.

All things come to Me in the end, and yet I am the beginning of all. I meet you at the crossroads, I lead you through the darkness, My hand you grasp in the passage between the worlds. To those that toy with Me am I an instrument of self-destruction. yet to the true seeker do I bring knowledge beyond mortal comprehension.

Of you shall I demand the utter truth of all that you are, and in return shall I give you all that you may be, all that I am. For My wisdom is beyond the Ages, and knowledge of My Secrets is power over self, over fear, over death. Nor do I demand aught of you which you cannot give. For I am the Mother of Mysteries, and as you know Me, so shall you learn to know yourself.

source: The Gay Mage

Gingerbread Men (and Women!)

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:08:00 +0000

Gingerbread tastes great and makes the house smell wonderful as it bakes. This recipe can be used for biscuits, pretty tree decorations, or cheery gingerbread men and women to munch on.

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup dark molasses
3/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter or margarine
4 cups flour
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon powdered cloves
1/8 teaspoon allspice
4 teaspoons ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all ingredients except the flour. Add the flour slowly, mixing each addition thoroughly. The dough should be slightly stiff. If the mixture seems too dry, add a teaspoon or two of water; if too wet, add more flour. Roll out the dough on a floured cutting board to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters shaped like little dough people to make the shapes. Place these on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes (time is only approximate). Transfer the cookies to wax paper to cool. Give your gingerbread people features by using colored frosting from a pastry tube.

(Makes about 3 dozen medium-sized cookies)

~from: Sabbats

Winter Solstice Potpourri

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Here's a recipe for a nice potpourri for the upcoming Winter Solstice. It makes a great gift for your favorite magickal friends.

20 drops musk oil

25 drops pine oil
1 cup oak moss
2 cups dried mistletoe
1 cup dried poinsettia flowers
1 cup dried bayberries
1/2 cup dried rosemary
1/2 cup dried holly leaves and berries
3 crushed pinecones

Mix the musk and pine oils with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.

From The Wicca Spellbook by Gerina Dunwich

A Wassail Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:19:00 +0000

Here is a simple wassail ceremony.

Heat a large container of ale or beer - about 3 or 4 pints.
Add 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup mixed spices (cinnamon sticks and whole cloves are also excellent)
Cut up 2 or 3 small sweet apples and add those.
Add 1 1/4 cup of pineapple juice and the same of orange.
Squeeze 2 lemons into the brew.
Place over a slow flame; then, before it begins to boil, take off the heat and whip up some cream. Let this float on top of the brew like foam.
Put into a suitably large bowl (the more ornate the better).
Toast several slices of bread, if you have fruit cake you can use pieces of that instead.
Now, with a few friends, go out to the tree or trees (see note below).
Dip pieces of toasted bread into the brew and place in the branches of the tree. Hang pieces of bread and cake from the higher twigs to encourage robins (guardian spirits of the trees). Bend the lower branches down and dip their ends in the brew.
Wet the roots liberally with the brew. Pass the rest around and when everyone is thoroughly warmed up, sing a wassailing song.
Lift your glasses to the tree and shout "Huzzah!" three times as loudly as you can.

Note: These don't have to be apple trees, since any tree will benefit from a well-intentioned blessing, but it is traditional to wassail fruit-bearing trees. You can wassail the trees in your yard, near your home, or trees in some previously selected area.

Wassail For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Two Feathers) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:55:00 +0000

6 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. ground allspice
12 oz frozen apple juice
2 cups cranberry juice
1/4 cup sugar
16 whole cloves

Tie spices together in a cheesecloth bag. Combine juices, sugar, and bitters. Simmer together for ten minutes and remove spice bag. Serve hot, but not too hot for the little ones.

source