Merrie Meet dear friends,
Today as we approach Samhain I thought it would be good to repost a topic that I found fairly recently online regarding the making of a Besom or Broom. I found it as a follow up to one of my latest visits to Glastonbury. During this visit one of my objectives was to purchase a ready made Besom - however, there were none to be had. I was begining to give up hope when I called into the Cat and the Cauldron and during my conversations there, I was aware of a voice saying "why not make your own?" I was a little taken aback by this because it was not even a remote possibility that I could make such an item, but given that this suggestion had been made I decided to go with it.
I returned to Moonshadow (the new house name) and set about the necessary research into the project. I found the following article as a result of this research and so am following this method to make my very own Besom
(reposted from the Briar-Rose website www.briar-rose.org)
"Step by Step Instructions for Making a Besom
Start with two handfuls of birch twigs at least three feet long. Possibly from a place that supplies them for wreath-making. Traditionally, you would grip them in the jaws of the vice on your broom horse, but if you don't have one I suggest 'gripping' them with 14-inch cable ties from your local computer store.
Place the cable ties on (one at the end, and one either side of where I'm going to bind with the willow withies, these can obtained online from a basket-weaving supply store. Soak the withies in a bucket of water for at least 48 hours.
If possible get the help of an assistant to hold the end of the withie tight while you wrap it around the birch. Do at least three full wraps, and make sure you catch the end you started with under at least one of the wraps.
When your three wraps (or more) are complete, take your bond poker and shove it under the wraps to create a channel through which you pass the end of the withie. Do this two or three times. The bond poker is - in this case - a piece of copper pipe, remove half of the pipe for a few inches, so it has a concave 'blade'. Traditionally it was made from the thigh-bone of a goose.
When wrap one is completed start wrap two. Rural tradition has two withie or wire wraps, but because this is for Cunning folk, do three!
Once again, using the bond poker, poke the end of the withie under the wrapped part, in order to create a knot. Pass the end under the wraps twice, then pass it through the first one that "wraps around the wraps" in order to create a sort of knot. Then pass it under the wraps once more so you can cut it off where it pokes out from underneath.
After cutting the excess from the last wrap, it is time to remove the cable ties and see if your workmanship holds true...
Now the fun part - trimming the top of the brush. Traditionally, a machete-type blade is used, or in some areas, an axe but power tools work just as well if used with extreme care and caution.
Having completed the broom head, take a nice piece of ash, ground to a point with a belt sander or more traditionally whittled with a knife, the narrower end is the one that you turn the point on.
Carefully place the point in the center of the nicely cut birch, and once you have, gently pushed the head on enough to hold its position, bang it down on the stick so the point is driven well into the head. You are aiming to have the ash pass through all three willow bindings.
If you kept everything nice and tight, the added tightness of inserting the stick will ensure the head stays on. If you are not sure, then before you attach the head, drill a hole in the stick so you can insert a wooden dowel or a horseshoe nail into it through the birch to make sure it stays put".
So, having identified what I had to do, I then set about sourcing the necessary item. The birch was difficult, no, nigh on impossible to find growing wild in the coastal regions where I live, so I had to buy from the local florist who told me when I placed the order that she had no idea how much it would cost but that it would not be expensive - when it arrived it was in bundles and the bundles were £12 each, so when I explained why I wanted these she heavily discounted the price and threw in 3m of gold ribbon and 3m of red ribbon all for £5
The next item I needed was the Willow - again not an easy item to obtain here, the florist could not get any so a little bit of ingenuity might be required here.
Now for the handle, well I could steal it from the Ash tree across from our house, but since I am not that way inclined I will leave that option alone, but I have had an offer from a colleague, he has said that he will check and if there is a long straight branch that is suitable on his Ash tree he will bring it to work for me. (I could go to the DIY store or hardware store and buy a proper broom handle but unless everything else fails I do not even consider that an option)
So once I have the Ash handle the working will begin........
I hope that your preparations for Samhain go well and until the next time we meet I will wish you
Love, Light and Blessed Be
Merlin
Monday, 19 October 2009
Monday, 12 October 2009
Musing 12th October 2009 concerning Samhain.
SAMHAIN
Samhain is one of the most powerful of the Pagan Sabbats. It is the Witches' New Year. The turning of the wheel is most celebrated at this time.
Summer, with its related growing season is truly gone by Samhain. The long nights of Winter are just around the corner. We realize that the Sun God is dying and that the days are getting shorter. During this time of the year, the Crone aspect of the Goddess is the dominating figure. We welcome and honour Her as being such.
Common practices include looking back upon the last year, and rituals to help to promote a happy and healthy New Year. We also recognize this as the Last Harvest of the last growing season. The harvest can be of prosperity, health, love, and other bounty.
We find that the veil is thinnest between the worlds at this time. We often set plates of food on the table for our friends and relatives that have passed on. This is done to honour them and to promote the belief that no one or no thing should be left out of the bounty from the past year. Many people believe that this is where 'trick or treating' originated from.
You will find that because the veil is thinnest, divination can be very powerful at this time. Deceased ancestors and other spirits are easiest to contact. Rituals to honour the dead are performed on Samhain night, and divination is at its high point. Scrying into a fire, a glass, or a dark bowl is a popular method of contacting the dead on this night, and guided meditation for the purpose of past-life regression is most successful on this night as well.
Spirits will help you in divination, and you may also wish to contact the recently departed to strengthen your karmic ties with them if you wish to help ensure that you will be together again.
It is an Irish custom to place black candles in the windows for protection against evil spirits and to leave plates of food out for the spirits who will come and visit you on this night.
The Crone is called upon during this night, the dying God is mourned, and we reaffirm our beliefs in the oneness of all and in the knowledge that physical death is not the end.
Other names for this Sabbat include Halloween, Shadowfest (Strega), Martinmas or Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic). Samhain is the Celtic name for this Sabbat.
Many covens and circles celebrate this most sacred of pagan holidays as groups, often opening their circles to non-initiates and others who wish to participate. I find myself preferring a solitary ritual, perhaps with some socializing earlier or later in the evening. For me, much of the meaning of Samhain suggests such a practice, though traditionally it is a communal celebration.
Samhain is pronounced as sow-in (in Ireland), sow-een (in Wales), and sav-en (in Scotland). It marks the end of the harvest, the end of the year, and the death of the god. Self-reflection becomes not simply a custom, but a necessity. One cannot (or at least should not) allow the Wheel of the Year to turn without some kind of examination of what has occurred. How have I spent the last year? Did I grow or remain stagnant? Did I live according to the values I claim to embrace? These are questions which must be addressed in solitude and solemnity.
Just as Samhain ends the old year, it must begin the new, though many witches do not celebrate the New Year until Yule. Reflection should continue during this dark time, but reflection should be accompanied by a growing sense of the changes to be made and the light to be sought.
The Goddess tells us: "And you who seek to know Me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without." We must look inside ourselves for self-knowledge and for the spirit that will sustain us in life's trials. Silence is one of the keys to seeking truth, for we cannot hear the answers in the midst of this noisy world in which we walk everyday, nor in the noise of holiday celebrations however joyous.
Samhain is also said to be the time when the veil between the living and te dead is thinnest, allowing us some communication with those who have departed. How befitting this is for such a time of endings and beginnings. Reflections on death can be as instructive as the self-examinations just mentioned. When we think of those who have died, it reminds us of time passing by and of things we could have or should have done. These reminders, coupled with our lists of past and future actions, encourage us to take our New Year's resolutions far more seriously. We know our time is limited, and most of us have much to do in our allotted time. Most of us have to make a living somehow, but death reminds us that we had better spend some of that time in pursuit of our other dreams lest they be lost in the struggle merely to survive.
Colors:
Orange, Gold, Silver, Black
Herbs:
Rosemary, Acorns
Crystals:
Obsidian, Smokey Quartz, Jet, Amber, Pyrite, Garnet, Quartz, Sandstone, Hematite
Food:
Pork, Rosemary, Pumpkin, Apple, Turnip, Nuts
Blessed Be!
Samhain is one of the most powerful of the Pagan Sabbats. It is the Witches' New Year. The turning of the wheel is most celebrated at this time.
Summer, with its related growing season is truly gone by Samhain. The long nights of Winter are just around the corner. We realize that the Sun God is dying and that the days are getting shorter. During this time of the year, the Crone aspect of the Goddess is the dominating figure. We welcome and honour Her as being such.
Common practices include looking back upon the last year, and rituals to help to promote a happy and healthy New Year. We also recognize this as the Last Harvest of the last growing season. The harvest can be of prosperity, health, love, and other bounty.
We find that the veil is thinnest between the worlds at this time. We often set plates of food on the table for our friends and relatives that have passed on. This is done to honour them and to promote the belief that no one or no thing should be left out of the bounty from the past year. Many people believe that this is where 'trick or treating' originated from.
You will find that because the veil is thinnest, divination can be very powerful at this time. Deceased ancestors and other spirits are easiest to contact. Rituals to honour the dead are performed on Samhain night, and divination is at its high point. Scrying into a fire, a glass, or a dark bowl is a popular method of contacting the dead on this night, and guided meditation for the purpose of past-life regression is most successful on this night as well.
Spirits will help you in divination, and you may also wish to contact the recently departed to strengthen your karmic ties with them if you wish to help ensure that you will be together again.
It is an Irish custom to place black candles in the windows for protection against evil spirits and to leave plates of food out for the spirits who will come and visit you on this night.
The Crone is called upon during this night, the dying God is mourned, and we reaffirm our beliefs in the oneness of all and in the knowledge that physical death is not the end.
Other names for this Sabbat include Halloween, Shadowfest (Strega), Martinmas or Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic). Samhain is the Celtic name for this Sabbat.
Many covens and circles celebrate this most sacred of pagan holidays as groups, often opening their circles to non-initiates and others who wish to participate. I find myself preferring a solitary ritual, perhaps with some socializing earlier or later in the evening. For me, much of the meaning of Samhain suggests such a practice, though traditionally it is a communal celebration.
Samhain is pronounced as sow-in (in Ireland), sow-een (in Wales), and sav-en (in Scotland). It marks the end of the harvest, the end of the year, and the death of the god. Self-reflection becomes not simply a custom, but a necessity. One cannot (or at least should not) allow the Wheel of the Year to turn without some kind of examination of what has occurred. How have I spent the last year? Did I grow or remain stagnant? Did I live according to the values I claim to embrace? These are questions which must be addressed in solitude and solemnity.
Just as Samhain ends the old year, it must begin the new, though many witches do not celebrate the New Year until Yule. Reflection should continue during this dark time, but reflection should be accompanied by a growing sense of the changes to be made and the light to be sought.
The Goddess tells us: "And you who seek to know Me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without." We must look inside ourselves for self-knowledge and for the spirit that will sustain us in life's trials. Silence is one of the keys to seeking truth, for we cannot hear the answers in the midst of this noisy world in which we walk everyday, nor in the noise of holiday celebrations however joyous.
Samhain is also said to be the time when the veil between the living and te dead is thinnest, allowing us some communication with those who have departed. How befitting this is for such a time of endings and beginnings. Reflections on death can be as instructive as the self-examinations just mentioned. When we think of those who have died, it reminds us of time passing by and of things we could have or should have done. These reminders, coupled with our lists of past and future actions, encourage us to take our New Year's resolutions far more seriously. We know our time is limited, and most of us have much to do in our allotted time. Most of us have to make a living somehow, but death reminds us that we had better spend some of that time in pursuit of our other dreams lest they be lost in the struggle merely to survive.
Colors:
Orange, Gold, Silver, Black
Herbs:
Rosemary, Acorns
Crystals:
Obsidian, Smokey Quartz, Jet, Amber, Pyrite, Garnet, Quartz, Sandstone, Hematite
Food:
Pork, Rosemary, Pumpkin, Apple, Turnip, Nuts
Blessed Be!
Friday, 25 September 2009
Pause For Thought, 25th September 2009
Merrie Meet
Whilst trawling through the pages of the website I walked into this short posting by Summerfey and it struck a chord, because I have been asked this question many times "Are Wiccan and Witch not the same?" Summerfey answers that point very eloquently in her short description - which is quoted here
You can be both a Wiccan and a Witch, these two words are not the same.
One of the biggest sore points among Wiccans is the improper usage of the terms "Wiccan" and "Witch". Too many people use the terms interchangeably, presuming that they both mean the same thing. They do not.
Wiccan
Wicca is a religion, and someone who follows that religion is called a Wiccan. Sometimes it can be difficult to accurately define Wicca, and not all Wiccans will define themselves the same way. Observing the 8 Wiccan Sabbats, honoring the Gods and/or Goddesses, creating sacred space for rituals, to name a few. Many traditional Wiccans also feel that belonging to a coven is also a requirement and that those who practice their religion as a solitary, should not refer to themselves as Wiccan. Personally, I'm still not sure on that point. Typical Wiccans also practice magick, and therefore are also witches. You cannot be a "natural Wiccan" any more than you could be a "natural Christian".
Witch
The practice of witchcraft is not associated with any religion; therefore you can be a witch and yet also be a member of any number of religions (or none). Using the natural energies within yourself, along with the energies of herbs, stones or other elements to make changes around you is considered witchcraft. Though the skills and gifts that are part of witchcraft can be inherited from parents or grandparents, you aren't automatically a witch just because your grandmother may have been one. The use of magick takes practice, experience and learning. On a side note, a male witch is called a witch, not a warlock
.
Pagan
While I'm explaining terminology, I thought I would throw in "Pagan" as well. Paganism refers to a variety of non-Christian/Jewish/ Islamic religions that are usually polytheistic and are often nature-based. Wicca is only one Pagan religion, but there are others such as Santeria, Asatru, or Shamanism. Many people do not necessarily identify with a specific religion, and just use the broad term "Pagan" to define their spiritual path. Pagan religions are distinct and separate from each other, and it should not be assumed that they are just different names for the same faith.
I hope that this proves useful
Until the next time
Love and Light to all and
Blessed Be
Merlin
Whilst trawling through the pages of the website I walked into this short posting by Summerfey and it struck a chord, because I have been asked this question many times "Are Wiccan and Witch not the same?" Summerfey answers that point very eloquently in her short description - which is quoted here
You can be both a Wiccan and a Witch, these two words are not the same.
One of the biggest sore points among Wiccans is the improper usage of the terms "Wiccan" and "Witch". Too many people use the terms interchangeably, presuming that they both mean the same thing. They do not.
Wiccan
Wicca is a religion, and someone who follows that religion is called a Wiccan. Sometimes it can be difficult to accurately define Wicca, and not all Wiccans will define themselves the same way. Observing the 8 Wiccan Sabbats, honoring the Gods and/or Goddesses, creating sacred space for rituals, to name a few. Many traditional Wiccans also feel that belonging to a coven is also a requirement and that those who practice their religion as a solitary, should not refer to themselves as Wiccan. Personally, I'm still not sure on that point. Typical Wiccans also practice magick, and therefore are also witches. You cannot be a "natural Wiccan" any more than you could be a "natural Christian".
Witch
The practice of witchcraft is not associated with any religion; therefore you can be a witch and yet also be a member of any number of religions (or none). Using the natural energies within yourself, along with the energies of herbs, stones or other elements to make changes around you is considered witchcraft. Though the skills and gifts that are part of witchcraft can be inherited from parents or grandparents, you aren't automatically a witch just because your grandmother may have been one. The use of magick takes practice, experience and learning. On a side note, a male witch is called a witch, not a warlock
.
Pagan
While I'm explaining terminology, I thought I would throw in "Pagan" as well. Paganism refers to a variety of non-Christian/Jewish/ Islamic religions that are usually polytheistic and are often nature-based. Wicca is only one Pagan religion, but there are others such as Santeria, Asatru, or Shamanism. Many people do not necessarily identify with a specific religion, and just use the broad term "Pagan" to define their spiritual path. Pagan religions are distinct and separate from each other, and it should not be assumed that they are just different names for the same faith.
I hope that this proves useful
Until the next time
Love and Light to all and
Blessed Be
Merlin
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
22nd September Musing
Merrie Meet, good friends
Today is the day I am choosing to celebrate Mabon (the Autumn Equinox), the time when day and night are split into equal parts. Lady Moon moves from her third quarter, in Gemini, into her fourth quarter in Cancer. It is a time of balance and equilibrium and the festival is all about abundance, a key part of which is sharing. The giving and accepting of abundance promotes even more abundance for both giver and receiver.
Warm coloured clothing is favourite, red, orange,maroon, deep gold, russet, brown and dark violet and these colours can also be echoed in table decorations along with seasonal items such as pine cones, apples, horns of plenty. It is also a nice touch to place a set of balance scales filled with wild acorns, grapes and autumnal leaves asa a centrepiece.
The time of year can also be reflected in your choice of menu - nuts, onions, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, berries, apples, garlic, cider, fruit wine, bread, roast beef, chicken and cheese are all symbolic of the season.
The festival is sacred to Ceridwen, a Goddess of Autumn and in Druidic terms honour is placed upon the Green Man. One can offer gifts of blessed water or wine to a favourite tree, and of course not forget the nature fairies and others by leaving them a thimble filled with wine and some berries or nuts.
Together with thoughts of balance, this time is great for starting a winter project and traditionally this would be considered the time to begin making quilts. It is an ideal time to give thanks for friends and family, the food on the table, the clothes that we wear, the work we perform and the goodness in our lives - but it is a good idea to be specific in naming these thoughts.
On an entirely different subject, over the past 2 days I have been reading JK Rowling's "Tales of Beedle the Bard" and the first two tales - "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot" and the "Fountain of Fair Fortune" both carry terrific messages underneath what are very pleasant short stories. Unfortunately because of copyright issues I am unable to reproduce these tales on this page, but I would certainly recommend to anyone who reads my Musings to invest in a copy and retell these tales to their young and not so young, and furthermore take particular note themselves to see if they are applying the lessons in their own lives.
So I will now take my leave, wish you a fantastic Mabon, and ask that the Goddess hold you in her care until we meet again.
Love, Light and Blessed Be
Merlin
Today is the day I am choosing to celebrate Mabon (the Autumn Equinox), the time when day and night are split into equal parts. Lady Moon moves from her third quarter, in Gemini, into her fourth quarter in Cancer. It is a time of balance and equilibrium and the festival is all about abundance, a key part of which is sharing. The giving and accepting of abundance promotes even more abundance for both giver and receiver.
Warm coloured clothing is favourite, red, orange,maroon, deep gold, russet, brown and dark violet and these colours can also be echoed in table decorations along with seasonal items such as pine cones, apples, horns of plenty. It is also a nice touch to place a set of balance scales filled with wild acorns, grapes and autumnal leaves asa a centrepiece.
The time of year can also be reflected in your choice of menu - nuts, onions, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, berries, apples, garlic, cider, fruit wine, bread, roast beef, chicken and cheese are all symbolic of the season.
The festival is sacred to Ceridwen, a Goddess of Autumn and in Druidic terms honour is placed upon the Green Man. One can offer gifts of blessed water or wine to a favourite tree, and of course not forget the nature fairies and others by leaving them a thimble filled with wine and some berries or nuts.
Together with thoughts of balance, this time is great for starting a winter project and traditionally this would be considered the time to begin making quilts. It is an ideal time to give thanks for friends and family, the food on the table, the clothes that we wear, the work we perform and the goodness in our lives - but it is a good idea to be specific in naming these thoughts.
On an entirely different subject, over the past 2 days I have been reading JK Rowling's "Tales of Beedle the Bard" and the first two tales - "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot" and the "Fountain of Fair Fortune" both carry terrific messages underneath what are very pleasant short stories. Unfortunately because of copyright issues I am unable to reproduce these tales on this page, but I would certainly recommend to anyone who reads my Musings to invest in a copy and retell these tales to their young and not so young, and furthermore take particular note themselves to see if they are applying the lessons in their own lives.
So I will now take my leave, wish you a fantastic Mabon, and ask that the Goddess hold you in her care until we meet again.
Love, Light and Blessed Be
Merlin
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Tuesday 1st September Musing
As the calendar now turns into September I am prompted to think about the changing seasons of the year. The weather here in the South West of England has definitely taken on an Autumnal feel, the light has changed, the trees are already shedding their leaves, daylight hours are becoming shorter and daily temperatures are falling. Because of these changes I decided that I would look a little further into the forthcoming festival - Mabon and discovered the following article amongst the archive of iamawitch.com, the article is credited to summer fey,I hope that you find it interesting.
Historical Mabon
Mabon, the second of the great harvest festivals, is celebrated at the Autumnal Equinox (between September 21-September 25). The Wheel has turned and for this single day the hours of daylight and darkness are once again equal. The air is cooler and the harvest of fruits and vegetables means that we are busy canning, pickling, drying and bottling the bounties of orchard and garden.
In modern times, September often means that children are returning to school. Life seems to slow down. This is often a time of reflection and re-establishment of routines that may have slipped during the heat of the summer. We pull out the boxes of winter clothing and realize how much our children have grown when clothing that fit them just a few months ago is far too short and tight.
Mabon is the Welsh name for a Celtic god who was stolen from his mother three days after his birth and locked away till he was a man. His name was Mabon, son of Modron, which translated means "Son, son of the Mother". Mabon was also known as the Son of Light. He was the god of liberation, harmony, music and unity.
The story has very ancient origins and much of it has been lost. The version which has come down to us tells of, Kyllwch, one of King Arthur's knights, finding and freeing Mabon as a step toward fulfilling one of the conditions for his betrothal to the fair Olwen. Through the intervention of the Stag, Blackbird, Owl, Eagle and Salmon -- the ancient Celtic symbols of wisdom-- Mabon is freed from his mysterious captivity and Kyllwch wins Olwen.
Mabon marks the end of the corn harvest which started with Lughnasadh. It is the time of the apple harvest. For our ancestors, apples were the fruit that sustained them through the winter. Apples themselves and the cider which was pressed from them were an important part of the diet.
Here are some suggestions for celebrating Mabon with your family:
Look for colored leaves. Collect fallen leaves and make a centerpiece or bouquet for your home. Save the leaves to burn in your Yule fire.
Visit an apple orchard and, if possible, pick your own apples.
Do a taste test of different kinds of apples.
Hang apples on a tree near your home. Watch the birds and other small animals who will enjoy your gift.
Make applesauce or apple pie.
Make an apple Doll.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this and even as the seasons change you all remember that we all make new friends along our journey but sometimes we forget the older and longer lasting friendships, why not take this time to make contact with people who mean a lot to you and just say "hello" - it will mean so much and yet is such a simple thing to do.
Until next time, love and light to all and Blessed Be
Merlin
Historical Mabon
Mabon, the second of the great harvest festivals, is celebrated at the Autumnal Equinox (between September 21-September 25). The Wheel has turned and for this single day the hours of daylight and darkness are once again equal. The air is cooler and the harvest of fruits and vegetables means that we are busy canning, pickling, drying and bottling the bounties of orchard and garden.
In modern times, September often means that children are returning to school. Life seems to slow down. This is often a time of reflection and re-establishment of routines that may have slipped during the heat of the summer. We pull out the boxes of winter clothing and realize how much our children have grown when clothing that fit them just a few months ago is far too short and tight.
Mabon is the Welsh name for a Celtic god who was stolen from his mother three days after his birth and locked away till he was a man. His name was Mabon, son of Modron, which translated means "Son, son of the Mother". Mabon was also known as the Son of Light. He was the god of liberation, harmony, music and unity.
The story has very ancient origins and much of it has been lost. The version which has come down to us tells of, Kyllwch, one of King Arthur's knights, finding and freeing Mabon as a step toward fulfilling one of the conditions for his betrothal to the fair Olwen. Through the intervention of the Stag, Blackbird, Owl, Eagle and Salmon -- the ancient Celtic symbols of wisdom-- Mabon is freed from his mysterious captivity and Kyllwch wins Olwen.
Mabon marks the end of the corn harvest which started with Lughnasadh. It is the time of the apple harvest. For our ancestors, apples were the fruit that sustained them through the winter. Apples themselves and the cider which was pressed from them were an important part of the diet.
Here are some suggestions for celebrating Mabon with your family:
Look for colored leaves. Collect fallen leaves and make a centerpiece or bouquet for your home. Save the leaves to burn in your Yule fire.
Visit an apple orchard and, if possible, pick your own apples.
Do a taste test of different kinds of apples.
Hang apples on a tree near your home. Watch the birds and other small animals who will enjoy your gift.
Make applesauce or apple pie.
Make an apple Doll.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this and even as the seasons change you all remember that we all make new friends along our journey but sometimes we forget the older and longer lasting friendships, why not take this time to make contact with people who mean a lot to you and just say "hello" - it will mean so much and yet is such a simple thing to do.
Until next time, love and light to all and Blessed Be
Merlin
Friday, 21 August 2009
Friday August 21st Musing
Merrie Meet to one and all
This is a piece that I discovered several years ago, but I feel it still holds true today.
I for one am proud to say...........I Am A Witch.
I Am A Witch. by Sandi Thomas
When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a "Witch".
When I stand up for those I love, they call me a Witch.
When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts, or do things my own way, they call me a Witch.
Being a witch entails raising my children to be strong people.
Who have a solid sense of personal and social responsibility.
Who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
Who love and respect themselves for the beautiful beings they are.
Being a witch means that I am free to be the wonderful creature I am,
With all my own intricacies, contradictions, quirks and beauty.
Being a witch means I won't compromise what's in my heart.
It means I live my life MY way. It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.
When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak up against it, I am defined as a witch.
The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone else's maid or when I act a little selfish.
I am proud to be a witch!
It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.
I am outspoken, opinionated and determined.
By Goddess, I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!
So, try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me. You won't succeed.
And if that makes me a witch, so be it. I embrace the title and am proud to bear it. I love this, I can call myself a witch now and not feel bad about it!
SO MOTE IT BE!
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this and that you will continue to follow my blog.
I will write again soon.
Love and Light to All
Blessed Be
Merlin
Altered Image Life Coaching Blog
This is a piece that I discovered several years ago, but I feel it still holds true today.
I for one am proud to say...........I Am A Witch.
I Am A Witch. by Sandi Thomas
When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a "Witch".
When I stand up for those I love, they call me a Witch.
When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts, or do things my own way, they call me a Witch.
Being a witch entails raising my children to be strong people.
Who have a solid sense of personal and social responsibility.
Who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
Who love and respect themselves for the beautiful beings they are.
Being a witch means that I am free to be the wonderful creature I am,
With all my own intricacies, contradictions, quirks and beauty.
Being a witch means I won't compromise what's in my heart.
It means I live my life MY way. It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.
When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak up against it, I am defined as a witch.
The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone else's maid or when I act a little selfish.
I am proud to be a witch!
It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.
I am outspoken, opinionated and determined.
By Goddess, I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!
So, try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me. You won't succeed.
And if that makes me a witch, so be it. I embrace the title and am proud to bear it. I love this, I can call myself a witch now and not feel bad about it!
SO MOTE IT BE!
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this and that you will continue to follow my blog.
I will write again soon.
Love and Light to All
Blessed Be
Merlin
Altered Image Life Coaching Blog
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Thursday August 13th Musing
Merrie Meet one and all,
I will start today's topic with an update on the events from the last 24 hours - they are certainly exciting me and whilst may be somewhat "normal occurences" for a lot of people, for someone who awoke to this new life a relatively short while ago (1989 to be exact) and had previously been a hardened sceptic they are quite mind blowing.
I have detailed below an extract from a conversation I was having with a very dear friend of mine yesterday, and we had been chatting for some time when .....(well I'll let the transcript take over from here!)
10.51.59 EJA: he he
10.52.12 Dave: hmmmm
10.52.26 Dave: keep on like this we won't need to type
10.53.08 EJA: yes indeed
10.54.04 Dave: have you got something green, that is very precious to you nearby, that you have just been thinking about or within the last 10 minutes or so?
10.54.33 EJA: xxxxx is wearing green sat next to me
10.54.39 EJA: that pretty precious
10.54.47 Dave: oh bloody hell
10.55.01 EJA: she is researching moon cycles
10.55.05 EJA: i was helping her
10.55.25 Dave: wow
There are almost 500 miles between myself and the person I was talking to and yet the information came through with total clarity.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Pagan Headstones
The 23rd of April 2009 marked the two year anniversary of the first Pagan headstone issued by the US Government, through the Veterans Department. This was a big step for all U.S. Pagans and a relief to those veterans that will now have a privilege that their elders didn’t.
Although the pentacle has been accepted as a government-observed emblem, each path will now need to have their own fight. Currently, paths are working on this; one that comes to mind is the Druids. If you get a chance to vote or aid for any Pagan fight in this matter, please step up to the plate; they were there when the Wiccans were working on the pentacle.
The headstone is a mere step. When making dog tags, signing up for ID cards, or joining the VA hospital Pagans do not have their religion noticed. This means that they are still having to claim the religion title of ‘other’.
"Below I have reproduced the timeline of events that emerged to get this request acknowledged"
Rosemary Kooiman requested a pentacle for her husband Abe’s headstone for when he was to die.
Abe Kooiman passed away.
A response of “Once we get records updated it will take place” was sent to Rosemary (the same response she got for 10 years)
Rosemary Kooiman Died.
Roberta Stewart filed suit for the VA to add the pentacle symbol to their approved emblems for headstone.
Several Pagan and civil rights organizations joined in Roberta’s cause.
The 33rd symbol for VA headstones was approved.
Patrick Stewart was given a plaque and Abe Kooiman a headstone with a pentacle on it.
This article has been reproduced from the Pagan Moonbeams bi-monthly magazine website
I hope that you have found today's musing of interest and that you will soon sign up my regular updates on this page.
While you are at it, can I suggest that you also look at the sister blog to this one, Altered Image that can be found at
http://www.alteredimagelifecoaching.blogspot.com/
Until we meet again
Love and Light to all
Blessed Be
Merlin
I will start today's topic with an update on the events from the last 24 hours - they are certainly exciting me and whilst may be somewhat "normal occurences" for a lot of people, for someone who awoke to this new life a relatively short while ago (1989 to be exact) and had previously been a hardened sceptic they are quite mind blowing.
I have detailed below an extract from a conversation I was having with a very dear friend of mine yesterday, and we had been chatting for some time when .....(well I'll let the transcript take over from here!)
10.51.59 EJA: he he
10.52.12 Dave: hmmmm
10.52.26 Dave: keep on like this we won't need to type
10.53.08 EJA: yes indeed
10.54.04 Dave: have you got something green, that is very precious to you nearby, that you have just been thinking about or within the last 10 minutes or so?
10.54.33 EJA: xxxxx is wearing green sat next to me
10.54.39 EJA: that pretty precious
10.54.47 Dave: oh bloody hell
10.55.01 EJA: she is researching moon cycles
10.55.05 EJA: i was helping her
10.55.25 Dave: wow
There are almost 500 miles between myself and the person I was talking to and yet the information came through with total clarity.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Pagan Headstones
The 23rd of April 2009 marked the two year anniversary of the first Pagan headstone issued by the US Government, through the Veterans Department. This was a big step for all U.S. Pagans and a relief to those veterans that will now have a privilege that their elders didn’t.
Although the pentacle has been accepted as a government-observed emblem, each path will now need to have their own fight. Currently, paths are working on this; one that comes to mind is the Druids. If you get a chance to vote or aid for any Pagan fight in this matter, please step up to the plate; they were there when the Wiccans were working on the pentacle.
The headstone is a mere step. When making dog tags, signing up for ID cards, or joining the VA hospital Pagans do not have their religion noticed. This means that they are still having to claim the religion title of ‘other’.
"Below I have reproduced the timeline of events that emerged to get this request acknowledged"
Rosemary Kooiman requested a pentacle for her husband Abe’s headstone for when he was to die.
Abe Kooiman passed away.
A response of “Once we get records updated it will take place” was sent to Rosemary (the same response she got for 10 years)
Rosemary Kooiman Died.
Roberta Stewart filed suit for the VA to add the pentacle symbol to their approved emblems for headstone.
Several Pagan and civil rights organizations joined in Roberta’s cause.
The 33rd symbol for VA headstones was approved.
Patrick Stewart was given a plaque and Abe Kooiman a headstone with a pentacle on it.
This article has been reproduced from the Pagan Moonbeams bi-monthly magazine website
I hope that you have found today's musing of interest and that you will soon sign up my regular updates on this page.
While you are at it, can I suggest that you also look at the sister blog to this one, Altered Image that can be found at
http://www.alteredimagelifecoaching.blogspot.com/
Until we meet again
Love and Light to all
Blessed Be
Merlin
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