The Moon is Full tomorrow night : ) I will celebrate the Barley Moon (aka: the Corn Moon, sometimes known as the Wort Moon) on my own, in my Sacred space, in prayer for one who is about to undergo surgery. He has amazed me with his incredible generosity and motivation to be as well as possible, in spite of a chronic disease and ongoing medical issues.
This is a time of harvest; herbs are collected, stalks are cut down, and grain falls only to rise again in the Spring.
Our fate is in the hands of the Gods. But - my hope is that this lovely man will not be called to the Summerlands. Not yet, anyway.
Be Blessed. )O(
Friday, August 8, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
The Wheel has turned. Although we're approaching the dog days of August, there is a change in the angle of the sunlight. The temperatures during the day are so warm, but cooling nights are a heads up that autumn is around the corner.
I feel torn this year. Normally I'm in (what I refer to as) Squirrel Mode by now. Everything my yard and garden produces is being dried, frozen or canned.
Jars of dried herbs and salves would normally be filling the shelves in my playroom. The pantry should be bursting with canned fruits and jams. The freezer should be full of bags of blanched vegetables, casseroles made from the produce in my garden, and fruit from the plants, bushes and trees.
This summer is different. I needed a total knee replacement (probably due to 20 years of karate, but that's another story). I assumed I would be operated on in the Fall, but when the surgeon saw me in mid May, he wanted to do it immediately. I was in the OR June 4th.
Its been a long recovery process, and somehow I feel as if I've missed summer. I'm not able to stand for the long periods of time needed to do my usual summertime work. I'm trying to content myself with making small batches of ointment, and collecting some herbs to dry when I can. Its not the same.
The Universe seems to be teaching me to be in the moment. To trust that all will be well, that there will be enough, and that by next summer, I'll be on track. As someone who is both accomplishment and goal driven, this is a hard lesson.
Be in the moment. Trust. All will be well. This is my mantra.
I feel torn this year. Normally I'm in (what I refer to as) Squirrel Mode by now. Everything my yard and garden produces is being dried, frozen or canned.
Jars of dried herbs and salves would normally be filling the shelves in my playroom. The pantry should be bursting with canned fruits and jams. The freezer should be full of bags of blanched vegetables, casseroles made from the produce in my garden, and fruit from the plants, bushes and trees.
This summer is different. I needed a total knee replacement (probably due to 20 years of karate, but that's another story). I assumed I would be operated on in the Fall, but when the surgeon saw me in mid May, he wanted to do it immediately. I was in the OR June 4th.
Its been a long recovery process, and somehow I feel as if I've missed summer. I'm not able to stand for the long periods of time needed to do my usual summertime work. I'm trying to content myself with making small batches of ointment, and collecting some herbs to dry when I can. Its not the same.
The Universe seems to be teaching me to be in the moment. To trust that all will be well, that there will be enough, and that by next summer, I'll be on track. As someone who is both accomplishment and goal driven, this is a hard lesson.
Be in the moment. Trust. All will be well. This is my mantra.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Lughnasadh, August 1st, 2014
I love this Sabbat. Truth be told, I love them all, but this one brings me joy.
I have been alone many times over the years on this Sabbat, and turned the Wheel with fire and bread and corn and ale. And drumming.
I have shared this Sabbat with others over the years. There were moments of sheer joy as we danced on high places to the beat of drums. There have been moments spent in stillness, watching large flocks of crows overhead; Sun setting in the West and Moon rising in the East. There have been Circles focused on song and drums, with Cinnamon Whiskey as our tipple and for a libation to Lugh.
There was a laughter filled night with a pot luck feast and "Whack a Witch".
Fire. Song. Food. Drums. Laughter. Dance. With these, we honour Lugh, God of Light, Shining One.
Tonight, I am blessed to be able to be with my tribe. We will mark the first harvest, and give thanks for abundance.
Blessed Be.
I have been alone many times over the years on this Sabbat, and turned the Wheel with fire and bread and corn and ale. And drumming.
I have shared this Sabbat with others over the years. There were moments of sheer joy as we danced on high places to the beat of drums. There have been moments spent in stillness, watching large flocks of crows overhead; Sun setting in the West and Moon rising in the East. There have been Circles focused on song and drums, with Cinnamon Whiskey as our tipple and for a libation to Lugh.
There was a laughter filled night with a pot luck feast and "Whack a Witch".
Fire. Song. Food. Drums. Laughter. Dance. With these, we honour Lugh, God of Light, Shining One.
Tonight, I am blessed to be able to be with my tribe. We will mark the first harvest, and give thanks for abundance.
Blessed Be.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Plantain - a brief overview.
Plantain: Plantago Major and Plantago Lanceolata.
Also known as Ribwort, Englishman's foot, White man's foot, Snakeweed, Weybroed (Anglo Saxon).
Mentioned throughout history and found in most parts of the world, this very common garden weed can be a huge annoyance for those who like things neat and tidy. However, there are those of us who appreciate its many healing qualities and we tend to be on the look out for it to use either fresh or dried.
Plantain can be used to heal cuts, scrapes, cracked skin and bruises; to calm skin infections, leg ulcers and eczema; to reduce the sting from bug bites. In salve or ointment form, it has become an important part of my herbal first aid kit!
For more information, please see:
"Jude's Herbal Home Remedies" by Jude C. Todd
"The Wild and Weedy Apothecary" by Doreen Shababy
"The Boreal Herbal" by Beverly Gray
Also known as Ribwort, Englishman's foot, White man's foot, Snakeweed, Weybroed (Anglo Saxon).
Mentioned throughout history and found in most parts of the world, this very common garden weed can be a huge annoyance for those who like things neat and tidy. However, there are those of us who appreciate its many healing qualities and we tend to be on the look out for it to use either fresh or dried.
Plantain can be used to heal cuts, scrapes, cracked skin and bruises; to calm skin infections, leg ulcers and eczema; to reduce the sting from bug bites. In salve or ointment form, it has become an important part of my herbal first aid kit!
For more information, please see:
"Jude's Herbal Home Remedies" by Jude C. Todd
"The Wild and Weedy Apothecary" by Doreen Shababy
"The Boreal Herbal" by Beverly Gray
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
A Recipe for Plantain Ointment
I am often found in my garden. Also my kitchen. And the room that serves as my sacred space and apothocary (also known as the playroom). My craft room is a sanctuary for me as well. Apparently I have taken over a good part of the house. My partner has the garage for his pursuits.
I've been recovering from surgery and my garden has gone a bit wild. Which is a good thing, because I found a large amount of Plantain in it. (I'll write more on this at a later time).
I have dishes, pots, pans, mortars and pestles, a coffee grinder and a slow cooker dedicated to my herbal treatments. I'm not sure when the collection began, but its a necessary thing when using herbs becomes an interest.
The slow cooker came down out of its cupboard and 6 handfuls of Plantain leaves were steeped in 6 cups of grapeseed oil for 8 hours on the "Keep Warm" setting.
I strained the lovely green oil and put it into the top of a double boiler. (In the bottom pan there was an inch or so of water simmering on medium low heat.)
To that, I added 3 ounces of pure beeswax. (The proportions I use in salves and ointments are usually 1 ounce of wax to 2 cups / 1 pint of oil. This may need to be adjusted depending on the day, the herbs used, etc).
*Once the wax (slowly) melted, I carefully poured the ointment to be into small sterilized jars, added several drops of Sweetgrass Essential Oil to each jar, then allowed it to cool and screwed on sterilized lids. I label everything I make with its name, the date I made it, and what I use it for.
(*Never leave oil or beeswax unattended on the stove!)
***Disclaimer: Using herbs in any form requires a great deal of research and knowledge.This recipe works well for me, but as with anything, if you choose to try it, please use due diligence. Are you certain the plant you have picked is Plantain? Do you have potential allergies to the herb, the oil, the beeswax or essential oil? If you decided to make this, use sparingly on a small test patch before applying anywhere on your body or on another person.
I purchase my Sweetgrass Essential Oil from a local shop that supports First Nations crafters and suppliers.
I've been recovering from surgery and my garden has gone a bit wild. Which is a good thing, because I found a large amount of Plantain in it. (I'll write more on this at a later time).
I have dishes, pots, pans, mortars and pestles, a coffee grinder and a slow cooker dedicated to my herbal treatments. I'm not sure when the collection began, but its a necessary thing when using herbs becomes an interest.
The slow cooker came down out of its cupboard and 6 handfuls of Plantain leaves were steeped in 6 cups of grapeseed oil for 8 hours on the "Keep Warm" setting.
I strained the lovely green oil and put it into the top of a double boiler. (In the bottom pan there was an inch or so of water simmering on medium low heat.)
To that, I added 3 ounces of pure beeswax. (The proportions I use in salves and ointments are usually 1 ounce of wax to 2 cups / 1 pint of oil. This may need to be adjusted depending on the day, the herbs used, etc).
*Once the wax (slowly) melted, I carefully poured the ointment to be into small sterilized jars, added several drops of Sweetgrass Essential Oil to each jar, then allowed it to cool and screwed on sterilized lids. I label everything I make with its name, the date I made it, and what I use it for.
(*Never leave oil or beeswax unattended on the stove!)
***Disclaimer: Using herbs in any form requires a great deal of research and knowledge.This recipe works well for me, but as with anything, if you choose to try it, please use due diligence. Are you certain the plant you have picked is Plantain? Do you have potential allergies to the herb, the oil, the beeswax or essential oil? If you decided to make this, use sparingly on a small test patch before applying anywhere on your body or on another person.
I purchase my Sweetgrass Essential Oil from a local shop that supports First Nations crafters and suppliers.
Monday, July 28, 2014
What does it mean to be a Wiccan teacher and mentor?
I've been working at it for 9 years. I've been blessed to have many students seek me out.
For me, it has meant expanding my concepts and knowledge, letting go of absolutes, and recognizing that the Divine speaks to each of us in a different way.
My learning curve has been amazing. I hope my students, past and present, have had a similar experience.
What motivates someone to put in the time and effort to share their understanding of a Spiritual Path?
In my case, my (adult) children and their partners asked me to do so. For 20 years, I had been practicing as a self taught Solitary. I didn't feel that qualified me to teach anyone - in any way - so I set out to connect to community, and undergo formal studies. I have worked through the Three Degree levels, began my teaching circle and started teaching my kids. Then others asked if they could learn from me. And so it has continued, year after year.
My First Degree lessons have changed over time. I am pleased with what they have grown into. My goal has always been to present a solid foundation in an easy to understand format, with lots of practical magic to work through.
Second Degree lessons became a necessity when people asked for more. I based these on the work of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell.
And finally, a need for a Third Degree curriculum. This level prepares people to become leaders, teachers and community contacts. As I evolve in this role, my lessons also evolve. As the face of Wicca changes, my concepts of how to prepare potential High Priestesses and High Priests changes. This level continues to be a work in progress.
Another Autumn approaches, and the requests for a teacher continue to come in. I respond carefully, screening potential students cautiously, fully aware of my responsibility to new learners as well as the folks who have been with me through the years. Apparently I'm not done in my role as a teacher yet!
I've been working at it for 9 years. I've been blessed to have many students seek me out.
For me, it has meant expanding my concepts and knowledge, letting go of absolutes, and recognizing that the Divine speaks to each of us in a different way.
My learning curve has been amazing. I hope my students, past and present, have had a similar experience.
What motivates someone to put in the time and effort to share their understanding of a Spiritual Path?
In my case, my (adult) children and their partners asked me to do so. For 20 years, I had been practicing as a self taught Solitary. I didn't feel that qualified me to teach anyone - in any way - so I set out to connect to community, and undergo formal studies. I have worked through the Three Degree levels, began my teaching circle and started teaching my kids. Then others asked if they could learn from me. And so it has continued, year after year.
My First Degree lessons have changed over time. I am pleased with what they have grown into. My goal has always been to present a solid foundation in an easy to understand format, with lots of practical magic to work through.
Second Degree lessons became a necessity when people asked for more. I based these on the work of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell.
And finally, a need for a Third Degree curriculum. This level prepares people to become leaders, teachers and community contacts. As I evolve in this role, my lessons also evolve. As the face of Wicca changes, my concepts of how to prepare potential High Priestesses and High Priests changes. This level continues to be a work in progress.
Another Autumn approaches, and the requests for a teacher continue to come in. I respond carefully, screening potential students cautiously, fully aware of my responsibility to new learners as well as the folks who have been with me through the years. Apparently I'm not done in my role as a teacher yet!
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