Volume 3 - Issue 3 - Lughnasadh/Lammas 2006
Seasons of the Moon is a quarterly online magazine published by students and members of The Order of The White Moon, an eclectic international order of women dedicated to The Goddess. The Order provides personal empowerment and priestess training, and operates local groups. All contributions are original material submitted by our students and members. (We do not accept outside contributions.) Please direct comments and questions to the Ezine Editor.
Seasons Of The Moon Editor and Council: Morgana Ravenwings, Heathwitch, Nessa CrescentMoon, Spiralotus, Silver, Shalimar, Lila, Lady Silver MoonWolfe, BellaDonna
Webmaster and Publishing: Kelly, Heathwitch, Tranquillity Fearn
Issue 3 - Lughnasadh/Lammas 2006: Contents
Goddess Work
Lughnasadh and Mabon by Heathwitch
Honoring the Goddess by Tranquillity Fearn
Astrology of the Seasons by Arteal
Holistic Living
Maintaining the Flow by Artemisia
Goddess Fitness and Beauty Ritual by Mystic Amazon
Whispers of Melete
A Note From Nessa by Nessa Crescentmoon
Thoughts on the Season by Tranquillity Fearn
Morgana’s Musings by Morgana Ravenwings
The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song For The Spirit
Transition by Susan Allen
Witches Brew by Mystic Amazon
Recipes Fit For A Goddess
Shimmering Moon Magical Herb Tea by Desert Star
Reviews
"The Morrigan" by Desert Star
Weaving the Web
Getting to know the Order of the White Moon
Resources on the Web
Welcome to the Seasons of the Moon Lughnasadh/Lammas 2006 Issue. Those that have been with us for a while can see we have a new fresh look. We all hope that you enjoy the articles within as much as we enjoyed bring them to you.
Lughnasadh and Mabon
By Heathwitch
Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh, or Lammas, is celebrated from sunset on the 31st of July
to sunset of the 2nd of August, though many modern Pagans and
Witches only celebrate it on the 1st of August. It is the "loaf
mass" and the festival of the Celtic God of the sun, Lugh. This is
the first harvest, that of the corn and the land, so it is a time to
celebrate nature's bounty -- bread, cornfields, any foods and drinks
that come from the land. It is a time for reaping corn and giving
thanks. Feasting and games are traditional at Lughnasadh, as is a
recognition of the sacrifical Lord -- known by some as John
Barleycorn -- who dies with the reaping of the grain. Symbols of
Lughnasadh are the colours yellow, green and gold, and all grains,
breads, harvest fare and threshing tools are common altar
decorations. Foods made of grain -- corn muffins, bread or rice
pudding, barley beer, and of course fresh baked bread -- are common
for this sabbat.
Mabon
Mabon, or the Autumn Equinox, occurs on September 23rd this year. It
is the second harvest, that of the flesh -- when animals would be
slaughtered and their meat prepared for the coming cold months. It
is time to explore the facets of balance -- day is equal to night at
the Equinox -- and also time to reap the fruits of our experiences.
It is time to celebrate the passing of the year and to look to the
coming of the dark side of the Wheel. Themes of this sabbat include
balance and harmony. Altar colours are those of the harvest, with
symbols such as rattles, nuts, dried fruit and corn being
commonplace. Foods include cider, cornbread and root crops, as well
as any meats.
See below for links for both Lughnasadh and Mabon.
About The Author: Heathwitch is a Witch, teacher and author. She runs courses and workshops on energy work, healing, Witchcraft and magic. High Priestess of the Circle of the Moon coven, Heathwitch lives in Cheshire, England. Email heathwitch@heathwitch.com
Honoring the Goddess
A Column by Tranquillity Fearn
Lammas is the time of the harvest, which brings my mind to preparing the harvest. At this time of year I feel Hestia very strongly. She is Goddess of the Hearth. Back in old times the hearth was the center of the home and a place where the fire was kept. In our modern time I feel the hearth is our kitchen. Keeping the flame burning translates in keeping the electric stove ready for the use. I ask Hestia to protect my home and do a blessing in her honor. This blessing can be done as often as you feel you want to do it. I feel called to do it weekly.
Kitchen BlessingPurify area – I sweep then wipe down everything in the area and lastly mop the kitchen.
Light Hestia candle – I anoint the candle with whatever oil I use to charge the area and then light the candle.
Charge area – I take a nice oil, that is charging oil and will fill the kitchen with good energy, usually peppermint, and use it to wipe on the counters. This gives a wonderful scent through the whole kitchen. While I do this I chant "Hestia, protector of the hearth, Bless my home".
For more information on Hestia (and other Goddesses) please see our Goddess Gallery at https://www.orderwhitemoon.org/goddess/index.html.
About the Author: Tranquillity Fearn is an Ordained Minister, High Priestess, and Founder of Spiritual Pathways a sister branch and affiliate of the Order of The White Moon. She is a artist, healer, and computer technician. She is currently taking students. Email: tranquillity@spiritualpathways.net Website: www.spiritualpathways.net
Astrology of the Seasons
A Column by Arteal
The New Moon will be on Wednesday August 23, 2006 at 3:10 pm. The Moon will be in the sign of Virgo. The sign of Virgo is efficient, analytical, differentiating, discriminating, precise, organized, dutiful, humble, and sometimes trivial, judgmental, and can't see forest for the trees. This is a wonderful time to begin a new health routine; Virgo can assist in this area.
The Full Moon will be on Wednesday August 9, 2006 at 6:54 am. The Moon will be in the sign of Aquarius. The sign of Aquarius is progressive, liberal, humanitarian, altruistic, freedom-loving, unorthodox, revolutionary, progressive, original, inventive, brilliant, scientific, and sometimes aloof and undisciplined. This date is also considered lunar Lammas and is a powerful day for ritual. The Moon goes VOC* at 6:58 pm and will remain VOC until August 10 at 4:10 am when it enters the sign of Pisces.
September MoonsThe New Moon will be on Friday September 22, 2006 at 7:45 am. There will also be an Annular Solar Eclipse, visible over the mid-Atlantic Ocean. The Moon will be in the sign of Virgo. The sign of Virgo is efficient, analytical, differentiating, discriminating, precise, organized, dutiful, humble, and sometimes trivial, judgmental, and can't see forest for the trees. If you missed beginning a new health routine last month then you have another opportunity this month. The Moon goes VOC* at 7:45 am and will remain VOC until 9:06 am when it enters the sign of Libra.
Eclipses pack an extra punch to a Moon. Look for unexpected surprises up to a month after an Eclipse. Rituals during an Eclipse have the potential for great energy. Be especially careful what you ask for during an Eclipse, you just might get it.
The Full Moon will be on Thursday September 7, 2006 at 2:42 pm. The Moon will be in partial eclipse at 10:42 am, visible in the Eastern Hemisphere. The Moon will be in the sign of Pisces. The sign of Pisces is unifying, imaginative, poetic, idealistic, intuitive, spiritual, otherworldly, psychic, empathetic, sacrificing, surrendering, humble, and sometimes unrealistic, victimized, and gullible.
October MoonsThe New Moon will be on Saturday October 22, 2006 at 1:14 am. The Moon will be in the sign of Libra. The sign of Libra is relating, cooperative, partner-oriented, gregarious, diplomatic, artistic, refined, harmonious, well-proportioned, tasteful, and sometimes dependant, indecisive, and superficial. This is also Lunar Samhain. The thinning veil might just be felt at this time as well. The Moon goes VOC* at 1:58 am and will remain VOC until 3:54 am when it enters the sign of Scorpio.
The Full Moon will be on Friday October 6, 2006 at 11:13 pm. The Moon will be in the sign of Aries. The sign of Aries is initiating, pioneering, spontaneous, childlike, energetic, confident, assertive, innocent, eager, exuberant, fearless, competitive, and sometimes self-centered, impatient, and even reckless.
*VOC stands for Void of Course. This is a term applied to the Moon when it's not making any major aspects to the other planets. This happens every few days for a time period ranging from a few minutes to a day or more. Simply put, what this means from a practical standpoint, is that anything that is started when the Moon is void of course, doesn't pan out. Starting a new business? Don't make it official until the void period is over. Looking for an engagement date? Avoid the times that the Moon is void if you want to play it safe. This includes ritual and spell work also.
Retrograde Corner!When a planet is retrograde it appears to be moving backwards in the heavens, even though it continues its forward journey in the sky. This is a time when the planet requires a rest. Just as we each require our downtime to recharge our batteries so do the planets. This is not necessarily a bad thing and each retrograde planet provides the opportunity for growth and healing. These are the planets that will be retrograde over the next quarter.
Chiron will be retrograde from Monday May 15, 1:53 am until Thursday October 12, 3:45 pm. We will find, attract, and pull the healing and guidance we need. You maybe surprised at how deep you can go within to heal and transform parts that were once seen as unusable or undesirable.
Uranus will be retrograde from Monday June 19, 3:39 am until Monday November 20, 1:08 am. There may be a feeling or restlessness or anxiety, however there will also be great creavity available to burn off some of the tension. Allow yourself to explore the new ideas and your own individualism. Explore the many ways to express yourself and perhaps even redefine who you are.
Neptune will be retrograde from Monday May 22, 9:05 am until Sunday October 29, 3:56 am. Borders, boundaries, and perhaps even reality may blurr. Be extra aware of your boundaries during this time. This is also a wonderful time to delve into your dreams, keeping a dream journal near your bed. Discover what insights and illumination your dreams have for you at this time.
Pluto will be retrograde from Wednesday March 29, 7:40 am until Monday September 4, 7:22 pm. During this time one may experience pressure and power plays. However, more importantly Pluto gives us the oppurtunity to purge and eliminate areas that no longer serve us. Look to your chart to see where Pluto is highlighting. *All times are in EDT*
About The Author: Arteal is an Ordained Minister, High Priestess, and Founder of Moonlit River a sister branch and affiliate of the Order of The White Moon. She is a Reiki Master, healer, and hypnotherapist and offers healings, attunements, and consultations. She is currently taking students. Email : Arteal@moonlitriver.com website: www.moonlitriver.com
Maintaining the Flow
By Artemisia
For many of us, summertime brings an increase activity as it is the season for weddings, showers, barbeques and vacations. While we are busy tending to our social lives, we may find that the summer has slipped by in a bustle of activity without much time for conscious thought about taking care of ourselves. The end of summer may find us exhausted and sluggish.
To keep energy levels high for maintaining our busy lifestyles, we must remember to flow through the seasons like Mother Nature. A diet that is light and cool is key to balance during the hot months. Lucky for us, we are blessed in summertime with the watery, cooling fruits and vegetables of the earth this time of year. These wonderful foods are available at farmers markets or local grocers. Fresh and raw or cooked, for optimal wellbeing, make these foods a staple of your diet during the summer months. In addition to providing water to help with hydration, fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fibers which nourish and assist our bodies in preventing heart disease, certain types of cancer, and contracting viruses and infections.
An important aspect of health is exercise. Moving the body increases circulation and not only stimulates the digestion, it stimulates the body to release toxins whose build up can cause sluggishness and fatigue. Summertime provides so many opportunities to get outside and get moving. It may seem counterintuitive to be physically active when you are tired, but more often than not, doing so gets your energy moving and alleviates fatigue.
Another way to keep your energy flowing is through meditation and visualization. Try this simple chakra exercise – I find that in a pinch at work, waiting in line, sitting in a car, or any other situation where I can't get up and get moving that I can revive my spirits doing this.
Sitting or standing comfortably, close your eyes if possible. Feel your feet touching the floor. Bring your consciousness down through your feet, through the floor to the earth. Bring yourself down deeper and deeper into the earth until you reach the hot core. Take a moment to collect that fiery, vital energy and bring it back up through the earth through the floor into your feet. Bring it up through your legs to your root chakra at the base of your spine, in the genital area. Imagine anchoring that connection in your chakra and feeling the energy flow through there. Retrace your steps back to the core of the earth, and bring energy back up through the earth, through your feet, through your root to your belly chakra that is located halfway between your pubic bone and your bellybutton. Imagine anchoring the line of energy in your belly. Then repeat again going back down to the core of the earth and bringing vitality up through your feet, your root, your belly and into your power chakra located in your solar plexus at the base of your ribcage. After you anchor the connection there, repeat this exercise moving the energy up from the earth and anchoring it in each of your chakras. Next is your heart at the center of your chest, then your throat, then your third eye at the forehead, and finally your crown just above the top of your head. When the energy flows up through you and out your crown, imagine it flowing gently down through your aura back to the earth like a waterfall. Now your body and your energy is flowing naturally.
About the Author: Artemisia is an HP of the Order of the White
Moon. She has an MS in Natural Health, and her passion is enacting
positive change and healthy living practices with individuals and
communities seeking wellness.
Email: artemisia333@gmail.com
Goddess Fitness and Beauty Ritual
(may also be used for weight loss, if desired)
You will need:
A candle to represent the Goddess
A candle to represent yourself
A candle to represent your intent
Something to carve the candle with
(optional) essential oil or olive oil
(optional) Herbs
Incense
Carve the Goddess candle with an ankh. Carve your name into the candle representing you, and if you wish, you can carve your astrological symbol into it as well. Into the candle representing your intent, carve the outline of a slender woman's figure and the symbol for Venus.
Dress your candle with either olive oil or an Essential oil like Vertivert or Ylang Ylang, any having Venus influences. Since part of the spell is about loving your body, you can roll it in herbs having to do with Venus and love if you wish. Use your imagination here, and if you want to put gemstones on the altar, those having to do with love, blessing, purification would be good.
After you get through carving your candles and dressing them, then recite this poem/prayer to the goddess, calling on your matron goddess. Say this prayer three times. When you get through reciting theprayer below, open your door and call out into the ethers:
"SO MOTE IT BE!"
to release the spell to begin working. (This is just something that I have developed that works for me). Then after that, let the candles burn down completely; and dispose of the remnants in whatever way you have been taught.
A WEIGHT LOSS POEM-PRAYER
(TO BE USED IN A RITUAL)
Oh Goddess, I implore you
As your daughter
And your priestess upon this Earth
To grant me the willingness,
Motivation, and ability
To care about myself
As I care about you
To treat myself and my body
With the same love, respect
And dignity
That I feel toward you;
For as your daughter
And your priestess,
I am a reflection of you.
Grant that I may help others
Learn to treat themselves
With love, respect
And dignity;
And honor the bodies
That house their souls.
May I learn and understand
Your teachings
So that I can pass them on
To my Sisters.
Blessed Be.
© Copyright 1/9/06
Beth Johnson
(Mystic Amazon)
NOTE: You may call on the Goddess in general, or your favorite goddess, and use gemstones and candle colors that represent Her. You can keep it very simple if you like. White is always a good color to represent the Goddess, unless you have another color in mind. To represent yourself, pick a color candle that appeals to you. To represent your intent for weight loss and beauty, again, pick a candle color that appeals to you.
White is good for anything, but green, blue or teal would appeal to me, and perhaps a turquoise stone on the altar. Keep it as simple or complicated as you would like, this is a very generic ritual. I'm a Leo myself, so I like drama and wearing nothing but a robe and jewelry. You can do this spell on a Friday, since it has to do with beauty.
About the Author: Born August 10, 1944, Mystic is the oldest of four children. Her father was a minister (from a long line of Methodist ministers) and her mother taught piano and French. Mystic was born while her father was a chaplain in the Navy, serving on a ship with General MacArthur in the Philippines. His father had been a chaplain in the Army in WWI. Mystic was married for 25 years to a marine and has two children, Kristin and Erik, both married but no grandchildren yet. She is a folk artist and sometimes teach that and fabric painting with dyes. She also teaches Reiki and sometimes basic Tarot. She loves to read, dance barefooted, write poems and spells, do candle magick and make candles.
Dearest Seasons of the Moon Readers,
Our beloved Artemisia, one of our cherished editors thought it would be a nice idea for some HPs to write a bit about what we are up to. Well, right now, I'm ebbing and flowing through Mercury retrograde and as I am, I pause for thought. I see the words on the Triple Moon home page form in my head and I feel them course through me with power.
Where we are...
Women experiencing the Feminine Divine.
Women connecting with one another and connecting to ourselves.
Deepening our connections to the Divine Feminine and bringing Her
into our daily lives.
Women, Soul Sister's, Goddess Friends lining our life's path,
surrounding us with love and life's passion.
Nurturing, respecting, strengthening, and celebrating each other
as aspects of the Feminine Divine.
There are many Sisters at The Triple Moon and in this glittering moment I see us as women at the well. I see us at the well, the well of love, connection, wisdom, and healing. We are standing, sitting, lounging comfortably….talking, laughing, sharing, revealing our authentic selves. We are renewing and empowering ourselves from the same universal well. Goddess has truly blessed us with one another. The past many months have been a time of changing and growing, connecting and deep learning here at The Triple Moon; and lately, Mercury has been full of mayhem in many of our lives. We come together in sisterhood and support to nurture, and strengthen one another. Sisters have been sharing lessons and life's joys and sorrows. We've been snapping pictures of our gorgeous altars and we've been praying and lighting candles for each other and also taking candle requests from the public. Recently many sisters took part in truly empowering rituals in our new virtual ritual space, and soon we will be having weekly chats!
We are all very excited about our journey together and we genuinely
value our sisterhood. Not only has this HP been busy – so have her
sisters in The Triple Moon!
In Sisterlove,
Nessa Crescentmoon
About The Author: Nessa Crescentmoon is an Ordained Minister, High Priestess, and Founder of Sisters of the Triple Moon, a sister branch and affiliate of the Order of The White Moon.
Email : nessa@thetriplemoon.com website: http://www.thetriplemoon.com/
Thoughts on the Season
A Column by Tranquillity Fearn
This time of year from Lammas to Mabon is an amazing season. I love it as the days start to cool down in the mornings and evenings, with the feel of fall coming. The foggy mornings when I drive to work give me such a feeling of peace. As we reach the end of the season, leaves are just starting to turn. The Great Mother is getting ready to dress in her most beautiful of gowns as fall approaches.
All the time spent taking care of the garden comes to completion as we carefully harvest the fruits and vegetables. All of our hard work paying off as the Great Mother gives forth the grand bounty of the harvest. I look forward to the harvest and preparing the food for my family. I bring to the table with love and blessings what our Great Mother has provided us.
About the Author: Tranquillity Fearn is an Ordained Minister, High Priestess, and Founder of Spiritual Pathways a sister branch and affiliate of the Order of The White Moon. She is a artist, healer, and computer technician. She is currently taking students. Email: tranquillity@spiritualpathways.net Website: www.spiritualpathways.net
Morgana’s Musings
by Morgana Ravenwings
Each year at this time, I find myself so blessed by the beauty that surrounds me in nature. I arise each morning with the sun, and go outside to pay my respects to the Divine, to the Powers of the four directions, to Father Sun and Mother Earth, leaving an offering of gratitude. Feet planted firmly on the ground, and arms outstretched towards the heavens, I feel the power of the Divine flowing through my body, energizing me while at the same time calming and reassuring my spirit. In my busy, hectic days, this time in the morning alone in nature has become my time of restoral and peace. My eyes behold the beauty of the world around me. Trees and other Green Ones, reaching with loving arms towards the sky. Small and large wild creatures, my brothers and sisters, peeking out from logs and behind trees...some just waking up, others preparing for sleep. Tentatively at first, the birds begin singing with joy that another day has dawned, and soon I am surrounded by a chorus of beautiful music and cheerful greetings. Slowly, the Great Mother pulls back her velvet cloak of night, the stars disappearing one by one, and a faint red hue begins to come into focus in the East. I stand in awe, breathing in the beauty of the life around me that touches all of my senses---dew on my skin, songs in my ear, the smell of fresh earth.
It is this time alone in nature that prepares me for all I must go through during the day ahead of me. It is this time of being a part of the beauty of Mother Earth that gives me the ability to respond appropriately to whatever comes my way attempting to bring imbalance into my life. When something comes up, I am able to close my eyes.....to remember.....and to breath in the peace of Mother Earth. I am able to walk in truth, and to use truth as a protection from all of the untruths I am bombarded with daily by simply remembering. I am at peace. We can learn so much by observing nature. For example, trees grow. A very simple statement, an obvious statement, but one that is filled with profound implications for those of us who constantly find ourselves striving and reaching and worrying that we are getting nowhere. Trees grow. The Great Goddess provides them with everything they need, and they simply receive it....and grow. Will She do any less for us?
The wild ones that peek at me each morning also do not strive and worry about their lives. They live each moment to the fullest, eating what is provided, sleeping when needed, playing..... They don't care if someone's nest is bigger than theirs, or better than theirs. They build what they need, eat what they need, and live happily and simply. Oh, what we could learn from our four-legged brothers and sisters if only we would take the time out in our busy lives to observe them.
The Goddess provides. Everything we need is already here....all we need to do is receive it. We need to stop bucking and fighting, and worrying, and go with the flow. As we get into the flow, things begin 'appearing' in our lives right at the time that we need them. However, when we worry, and worry is a form of negative believing, we fight the flow, and put off our ability to receive what the Goddess is holding out to us. It's right there!! It has been there all along.
So, how do we get into the flow? We do it with gratitude. We stop focusing on what we dont have, and on what we would like to have, and we focus on what we DO have and offer prayers of thanksgiving as a daily practice. We live one day at a time. We view each moment and each encounter as Sacred. When we catch ourselves worrying about something that may or may not happen or that has already happened and we cannot change, we tell ourselves "STOP IT!!" and we purposely change our thoughts to those of gratitude. Gratitude is the key to engaging the flow of the Universe, to receiving all that the Goddess is holding out to us, to living a life of peace and simplicity, and to walking in Beauty. What do you have to be thankful for today?
About The Author: Morgana is an Ordained Minister, High Priestess, and Founder of The Daughters of the Greening, a sister branch and affiliate of the Order of The White Moon.
Email : morgana@daughtersofthegreening.com website: http://daughtersofthegreening.com/
It seems fitting that the last child I help enter this world should be that of my own child. The time for me to move into the next phase of my duties as a Priestess is upon me. I have done my duty in the red room since I myself entered motherhood. My cycles have been winding down now for many years. Since I no longer have the ability to give life myself, my new gift shall be to help others leave this plane of existence and move into the next. My shrine of service will no longer be this red room with the symbols of the Goddess as the life-giving Mother, but instead at the shrine of the vultures. I am excited to begin my new calling. The vulture is a noble creature that purifies us of our earthly flesh and allows us to shed the last of that which holds us to our bodies. I will help ease those who are passing into the calm rest that awaits them. I will comfort them as they leave behind their loved ones. Then, when they have gone, I will cleanse them of their bodily ties and help the vultures do their part.
But now, my daughter's breathing has become quicker. I gently wipe her forehead with a cloth that has been soaked in the cool spring waters of the Mother. This is not my daughter's first child; she has had many and lost some to this world. She is older now, so birthing is not as easy for her. This has been a difficult pregnancy for her. Occasionally a small cry escapes her lips. She is usually so stoic; this must truly be difficult for her. I check her progress. It is nearly time. Another priestess brings fresh water and cloths to wrap the infant in when she comes. We have felt that she would be a girl for some time.
It is time for my daughter to push now. She begins to bear down with all her might. Despite our careful administration, her flesh still tears as the babe breaks free. She is a large child, perhaps the biggest my daughter has birthed yet. My daughter screams as the babe's head is finally free. The rest is easy. Her daughter is beautiful. The other priestess cleanses her with spring water and wraps her in cloths. Then she hands her to me and I bring her to my daughter.
My daughter smiles at the beautiful girl in her arms. The pain of birth has not left her face as it usually does when a mother cradles her child. This worries me greatly and I look at the other priestess. She shakes her head as she continues to sop away blood with clean cloths. There is too much blood.
My daughter's grasp on her child loosens as she pales. I cradle my child in my arms as she cradles hers. Another priestess comes and takes the child as my daughter becomes too weak to hold her. She'll be taken to another mother who has lost a child, or to one who has enough milk for two babies. I take my daughter's hand into my own and I smooth her hair away from her face. She looks at me and tries to smile.
"I love you, My Daughter," I whisper and then press my lips to her cool forehead. She closes her eyes as her last breath gently escapes her lips.
My last birth has become my first death. While the other priestesses carry my child to the funeral shrine, I am taken to a place to be purified. I take a ritual bath and then put on my new robes. The robe is black and covered in greasy black feathers. My headdress is covered in spiky black feathers. Hematite beads touch my forehead. I am the vulture, and I will aide my daughter in passing.
I follow the priests to the door of the funeral shrine. They open the doors and I enter alone. My child's still body lays on a raised platform. There are paintings of vultures on the walls around her. I bathe her naked body with clean water. I lovingly wash the blood from her skin. I can not stop the tears running down my cheeks. As I wash her face, I think of her as a sleeping babe. Memories of her as a child and then as she came into womanhood; her first child, flood through my mind as the tears continue down my cheeks. My spirit aches. Cries leave my body unbidden; deep rhythmic, raking sobs. Sobs for life lost, for memories that will fade, for the babe that will never know her mother. As my cries turn into a chant, the vultures come to life. They fly around the walls, the sounds of their calls joining with mine. The smoke of incense fills the room, and drums can be heard in the distance, getting louder and louder. It feels as though we are spinning in the haze. Then, suddenly, it all stops as I exhale a deep breath. My child's soul has left her body. She is at peace. Now what remains of her bodily ties, must be cleansed by the vultures. The last of her physical body must be returned to the cycle of life. The priests come in and lift her body to take her to the vulture grounds. I follow them and say a prayer over her.
We will return for her in a few months. Then I will lovingly wrap her bones in cloth and she will be placed under her sleeping platform at her home. There, her spirit will continue to watch over her family.
Witches Brew: Alcohol, Soup or Stew?
An Explanatory Essay
The best of witches brews depend on the soup base, which in turn represents the magickal purpose of the brew. However, sometimes "Witches Brew" is just another name for an alcoholic drink. But for many of the witches in our town of Salem- Turnopia, "to whip up a witches brew" can mean to make up a magickal soup or stew for a particular purpose.
Now, my cousin Norman Turnippe's mother (my aunt Agnys Raddishe- Turnippe) gave him some witches brew soup to help him get over a cold. It worked, but he was unconscious for three days. When he woke up, his cold was gone and the hook in his nose had straightened out.
The plastic surgeons in Salem-Turnopia were very interested in experimenting with her formula. Unfortunately, she could never remember the exact measurements of her ingredients, so there were some pretty appalling results. This caused the experiments to be stopped by the Witches Board of Health and Public Relations.
The base of her brew was a very strong split-pea soup. What she added to that, I don't know. And considering what happened to the poor volunteers in the clinical trials (shudder), I don't want to know!
Signed,
Yours magickally and respectfully,
Joanie Lynn Raddishe
Reporter, Salem-Turnopia Herald
© Copyright 1/30/06
Beth Johnson
(Mystic Amazon)
About the Author: Born August 10, 1944, Mystic is the oldest of four children. Her father was a minister (from a long line of Methodist ministers) and her mother taught piano and French. Mystic was born while her father was a chaplain in the Navy, serving on a ship with General MacArthur in the Philippines. His father had been a chaplain in the Army in WWI. Mystic was married for 25 years to a marine and has two children, Kristin and Erik, both married but no grandchildren yet. She is a folk artist and sometimes teach that and fabric painting with dyes. She also teaches Reiki and sometimes basic Tarot. She loves to read, dance barefooted, write poems and spells, do candle magick and make candles.
Shimmering Moon Magickal Herb Tea
by Desert Star
Red Clover ~ grounding
Rosehips ~ health and love
Roses ~ love, divination & physic powers
Chickweed ~ strengthens magical energy
Lemon Verbena ~ strength and purification
Chamomile ~ sleep, purification and protection
Red Raspberry ~ strengthening intuitive powers
Peppermint ~ enhancing memory and psychic powers
Lemon Catnip ~ drawing positive energy towards you
Spearmint ~ enhancing mental powers, healing and protection
Nettles ~ balance magickal energies of chickweed, protection
Lemon Balm ~ heal magickal ability and help gain favors & success
Lemon Grass ~ developing psychic abilities, attraction to the brew
"A Magickal Brew Just for YOU!"
This brew is best made under the shimmering light of the full moon, using a stainless steel bowl to capture all the herbs and the moon beams, as you chant the purpose of each herb and mix them together. Place the herbs in a large quart or gallon jar (container) and place in a dark cabinet until the next full moon. Mix the herbs occasionally during the month mixing their magickal properities together.
At the next full moon, mix a pot (cup) of the brew and contemplate on its magickal properities and its wonderful taste. There after you may add a sprinkling of any herb that you might need for that extra magickal touch.
Need a little love, add a few roses. Need protection for your ritual or self=protection add a sprinkling of spearmint, nettles or both.
Enjoy a cup of Magical Brew just prior to your ritual, or balance your energies after your ritual as you journal and ground. This is a "Magickal Brew" just for you enjoy to anytime and anyplace!
You will need:
Herbs in equal quanities. I usually mix two cups of each herb.
Container for storing. I use a gallon jar that I have placed magickal
symbols of stars and moon on adding to the magickal spell.I brew this in my favorite tea pot used for ritual and enjoy it in my most favorite mug.
Consuming it slowly, deliberately enjoying its magickal properities and just feeling the magick!
ENJOY!!
“The Morrigan”
Author: Annette Maxberry
Category: Fiction/Fantasy
Review by Desert Star
An erotic tale of reincarnation, magic, and murder interweaving Celtic myth with a compelling mystery, the Morrigan will draw you into the lives of its memorable characters, inviting you to piece the puzzle together as the story moves toward its explosive climax. Three women from different eras—the nineteenth century, mid- twentieth century, and late twentieth century—lead disturbing parallel lives. All are a bit kinky, all have strange powers they can't explain or control, and all put themselves in harm's way through their attraction to dangerous men. What is their connection to one another? Can they discover who they are in time to save themselves from a nightmarish fate?
This readers opinion:
I enjoyed this tale, especially the information on the myth which I had never heard or read about. There were spots that were certainly page turners, so you did not want to put it down. I don't feel the story line was ever real slow, and certainly not predictable. I enjoyed the story, especially getting away from technical reading. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
About Us
Index To Order of the White Moon On-Line Courses
Donations Always Welcome
Our Goddess Gallery
Prayer Requests
Seasons of the Moon E-zine - Back Issues On-line
Traditions - Order of the White Moon
Weekly Tarot Zodiac
Some links about Lughnasadh:
http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/lammas.html
http://thunder.prohosting.com/~cbarstow/lammas.html
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=holidays&id=3558
Links about Mabon:
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=holidays&id=8713
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/4885/mabon.html
http://magickalmusings.net/wicca/wheel/mrecipes.php
DISCLAIMER:
The articles featured in Seasons of the Moon are written and/or submitted by members of The Order of The White Moon and are their own intellectual property. Please feel free to share this publication but please do give credit where credit is due and link back to the source .
Thank you for reading, we hope that you have enjoyed it just as much as we have enjoyed presenting it to you!
Many blessings to you and yours!
Seasons of The Moon Staff
Get Seasons Of The Moon Via Email!
Subscribe here to get Seasons of the Moon delivered to your inbox immediately upon publication!