The wheel turns

The cool morning wind woke me from my slumber today. I cherished the freshness as I pulled the duvet up slightly higher. At last, the seasons are changing as we move into Autumn, the time of burnt oranges and golden yellows.

I had further confirmation of the seasonal changes as I went outside to greet my garden. My magnificent tree had shed yet another branch. Last week, the branch was filled with leaves but this one was barren and bleak. My magnificent tree is making space for the new growth that will emerge in the next few months as Spring awaits.

Today is the eve of the Virgo Full Moon. I feel the blue waters change in my womb as she casts her rays, radiating and igniting energy. Her luminosity is still present throughout clouded skies, her power continues to shine.

The wheel continues to turn as next week we celebrate Mabon, my favourite Sabat. Mabon is a time of equanimity as we experience identical hours of day and night. A time of balance. The Green Man offers cider and wine to the trees of the forest. The ageing Goddess embraces her evolution as the Crone and the God prepares for his death and eventual re-birth.

Mabon is a time to celebrate and be thankful. Be thankful for the prosperity and abundance we receive daily. Celebrate our friends and family with love and sincerity.

Blessed be.

Lammas

Traditionally, Lammas celebrates the first harvest, the first fruits and the first loaf of bread. The hours of daylight are shortening as the Sun God begins to reduce his power and gives way to the Moon Goddess
. The plants begin to drop their seeds in preparation for the oncoming winter to restart the cycle of birth and creativity once again.

So too, can we plant our seeds for growth by manifesting our dreams and desires. Spend time in nature, listening, smelling and observing. It is a good time to be familiar with the foods that we eat and their connection to the earth.  Give thanks and be grateful for individual prosperity as well as the abundance of beauty provided by Gaia.

In celebrating Lammas, we give thanks and honor the Sun God for all that we receive and share amongst family and friends. Similarly, we can reflect on our achievements and give thanks and honor ourselves.

Blessed Be.

December

It’s December. In the Southern Hemisphere we recently celebrated the Summer Solstice – the longest day of light. Although where I live the skies were filled with grey, looming clouds and much rain, I could still feel the brightness earlier in the morning and later each evening.

The Christian celebration of Christ’s birth has also just passed. What was once a gathering of family and friends to enjoy a meal and each others company has now become a commercial event towards materialism, heightened by capitalism. The focus of this humble celebration has been lost to societies expectations with so much pressure for people to spend more and more each year.

For me, this time of year has been incredibly stressful. I decided to step away from the chaos and I asked myself what it was that I wanted. At a time when the world is in the midst of a financial shift, it would be so much easier to bring love and joy into not only this festivity, but into every day. It was amazing to feel the relief once I decided to be true to myself, instead of what others wanted of me.

As I reflect back on the year that is almost past, I am astounded and forever grateful for the blessings I have received. Now, I begin to think about my intentions for the energetic and fruitful year that will no doubt be 2012.

Blessed be. 

11.11.11

What an amazing day last Friday was. I felt the energies creeping up towards something special the night before. So many wonderful events taking place all at the one time, it is no surprise this was indeed a special day which included: 

• World Peace Day; 
• Remembrance Day for our war veterans; 
• 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year. Numerologists everywhere will agree that this is very significant. On it's own, 11 is considered a master number but three of them together is very magical; 
• a full moon; and 
• as believed by some, the dawning of the new Age of Aquarius. 

 I felt a very calm and peaceful energy around me all day. I started my day with my usual morning yoga and we welcomed the full moon at 7.17am as it set high in the sky, but not luminously visible. That night, I was lucky enough to attend a yoga meditation, chant, gong and healing circle. The energy around my fellow yogi's was that of true love and healing. At 11.11pm, we mustered some more energy with our chanting to welcome the new age, the Age of Aquarius.

There are many philosophies and ideas as to when the Age of Aquarius actually starts. My theory is that the energies are strong regardless if it is was on 11.11.11, or will be on 20,12.2012 or even a few years after that. It doesn't really matter because the unification and harmonisation of Mother Earth is strong and increasing all the time as more people become consciously aware.

Beltane

Beltane. A celebration of love and creativity. 


In the Southern Hemisphere the wheel is reversed while our Northern friends experience Samhain. On both sides of the planet the connection to the spirit world is stronger allowing greater communication.


Father Sky fills the days with more light and warmth. Mother Earth is fertilised and we see life regenerated amongst nature. 


I like to bring this renewal of energy into my life with creativity and joy. I give thanks for the opportunities and abundance that I have and I give thanks for those that I am about to receive. 


Like the wheel, our lives constantly turn with new creations, new opportunities, new beginnings, new love. Beltane is time to open the heart to receive joy, love and creativity that is destined to be ours.

Full Moon

O’ this rainy full moon day

The clouds fill the sky up high

Your luminescent rays are but a glimpse

But your energies alight my fire.

O’ this beautiful full moon day

Fill my heart with light and joy

Your moon beams dance through scattered cloud

And give us strength, courage and wisdom.

O’ this wonderous full moon day

Take away our fears of the night

Your radiance igniting health and happiness

We are one with love and light of the night.

Blessed be.

Relax

Rupert Bunny, Pastoral (Sea Idyll Pastorale) c1893

Until recently I had managed to avoid the winter flu's and other bugs that normally invade us during the darker months of Winter. This year has been particularly wet so there have been fewer days basking in the gentler sunshine of the season. But I was surprised to find that I picked up a cold given my relatively healthy lifestyle. Thankfully, a cold is all it turned out to be.

During a day of well needed rest, I reflected on the past few weeks and realised that I had spent a considerable amount of time stressing over a work matter. It was quite a big deal but nonetheless, the apparent stress took it's toll on my body. I know that I can address the issue at the appropriate time, and I know that unnecessary stress does not help in any way whatsoever. Regardless of my awareness, knowing that I should step away – take a walk, breathe, talk to someone - I still allowed myself to submerge into the depths of fury and frustration.

The human body is an amazing life force. All that negative energy, anger and frustration I felt developed into toxins resulting in a cold. I truly believe that tension in our daily lives manifests into dis-ease in our physical bodies.

But how do we overcome the stress that is so much the norm of today’s society?

My inner voice tells me that I need to relax, take time each and every day specifically for me. I need to find ways to release physical tension – for me yoga and massage work well. I need to have creative outlets – I love to write, create magick, sculpt and sometimes draw. And most importantly, I need to meditate daily.

Sounds great! If only I could do all of these things every day, but the reality is that I need to work. It is a balancing act. However, I can bring breath into my work place. I can find a few minutes to write a few words of verse. I can find five minutes to sit quietly.

If I remember to bring love and light back into my life, I can relax and that is all I need.

Imbolc

Imbolc celebrates the return of light as we have passed through the darkest hours of winter. Most of us have rested and become more withdrawn during the shorter, colder days. The earth begins to renew it's growth with the feeling of Spring just around the corner. Imbolc brings new life, a sense of joy with the imminent warmth of the Sun.

Similarly, it is a good time to plant our own seeds for emotional, mental and spiritual development. What do we want to grow, to harvest in our lives? What new pleasures do we want to experience? What projects do we want to embark on? Do we want to establish, re-ignite or continue to burn with the fires of passion?

Imbolc is a time to give thought to bringing about positive changes, to see emerging shoots and growth in our lives for the forthcoming Ostara - the Spring Equinox, when all life entwines in the riches of nature.

Faith

Faith. It is something we all have whether we realise it or not. Some choose to put their faith in religion, be it Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhism, Spiritual, Pagan or one of many other creeds. We believe that there is a greater power, a divine being guiding us on our path. Even the Atheist has a belief system, albeit defiant of all God’s or deities, perhaps maintaining an existentialist philosophy that we are each responsible for our actions in turn creating our own destiny.

As a species, we need to believe in something, to trust and to have hope. It is part of who we are and it helps aid our emotional well being.

Historically, faith has been a driving force responsible for wars and greed of power over land and empires. This part of our human nature has not evolved over the centuries as we sadly continue to decimate, not only each other, but the planet and all it’s life.

It is important to send love and light to our friends and family as well as across the globe. The destruction and annihilation continues with our negative thoughts but it can be changed – the power of the mind is phenomenal.

Start by loving within, truly admire who you are and make positive alterations to areas that need transformation. Trust in yourself. Believe in yourself. Have faith that you can be all that you aspire to, and the rest will follow.

Tree Speak

As I drove through the south-west country of Great Britain, I stumbled upon delightful villages literally surrounded by rolling green hills. I connected to nature more than I could ever have anticipated. It was an amazing experience.

I spent most of my time on a fairly large property with a natural forest. Most mornings I walked through tracks and immediately I felt that I was not alone. The celtic lands are ancient, filled with spirits from times gone by and many places I visited maintained an earthly connection with the other side.

But this woodland felt special. Somehow different. The first day I entered I felt a strong female presence, a Goddess. She was unknown to me at first and it was days later when I was at Stonehenge that she made herself known as Lilith, the first wife of Adam who refused to succumb to his dominance insisting on equality.

Spring was emerging and the trees were singing as the sun's rays shone amongst them. As I stood motionless enjoying the forest and all its glory, I caught glimpses of nymphs dancing gayly through the trees. They were laughing, playing, hiding behind the great big trunks and moving too quickly to be seen. It was magical and I felt blessed.

Wild life filled the forest; birds, squirrels, rabbits and even deer. Spider webs glistened in the morning rain and the leaves developed with brightness. The forest was changing before my eyes.

I felt the trees sense my presence and I could hear them whispering as they rustled their leaves. I placed my hands on one of the great trees and immediately felt its vibration swirl through me. I breathed in its essence, revelling in the sound of the swaying branches. I felt at peace. I felt in awe of their greatness, knowing they had seen many things.

Lammas

In the Southern Hemisphere, Lammas falls on 1 February. It is a time to honour the earth as the Sun God prepares to recede. The change of seasons are upon us as the hours of daylight slowly shorten, and the Moon Goddess shines her light.

Summer is coming to an end as we begin to welcome the season of Autumn. The beautiful warm colours of red and orange emerge representing the cooler shades of the earth. Lammas is the first of the Harvest festivals and this is displayed with fresh loaves of bread.

For the first month of this new calendar year, I spent a lot of time focussing on my intentions. What do I want to achieve, when do i want to achieve it etc. Through this focus I have already begun to see results driving me towards these goals.

But Lammas is a good time to reflect on current achievements and to show gratitude for the abundance in our lives, to be grateful for the people we share it with. Today I am grateful for the people who continuously support me, who guide me and give me strength when I need it most.

Litha

Summer Solstice is celebrated all over the world. In the Southern Hemisphere it falls on either 21 or 22 December, depending on the earth’s rotation. On this day of Mid-Summer, we honour the Sun recognising the longest day of sunlight and the shortest hours of darkness. The earth shines under the fertility of the God and Goddess providing abundance in nature.

As we bask in the warmth of the summer rays of light, it is at this time that we begin to prepare for the turning of the seasons. The coming days will begin to grow shorter and daylight lessens as we return to the journey towards darkness once more.

On this occasion we are also blessed with the energy of the full moon. It enhances the celebration of Litha, and being so close to the craziness of the holiday season, some of us will become more sensitive to the vibrations.

I am going to use the power of the combined energy to prepare for the new year. But most of all, I will remember to breathe and surround myself with golden light of love and protection.

Happy Litha!

Beltane

Each year on October 31 the Northern hemisphere celebrates Samhain, better known as Halloween. As Pagan festivals are earth based they look toward the seasons for their celebrations. Samhain is a time to prepare for the oncoming darkness of winter. It is a time of reflection and remembrance. Some say the separation between the physical and spiritual realms is narrow during this time, bringing forth the tales of Halloween.

In the Southern hemisphere we are embarking on the warming days of summer. Beltane tells the story of a youthful God becoming a man, stimulated by nature he desires the Goddess in his arms. They fall in love and the Goddess is fertilised by his seed.

Beltane is a time of love and celebration. The earth is once again fulfilled with vitality providing enthusiasm and anticipation. It is a time to be creative and embrace the abundance of nature.

Today I paid homage to the Gods and welcomed them to this day of Beltane. Myrrh resin welcomed the youthful God Adonis. The young God died from a boar wound and the flower of anemone grew from his blood. His beloved Aphrodite was so distressed that the Gods allowed Adonis to spend six months of every year on earth with her. And so we are graced with the revival of nature as Adonis returns.

Red rose petals were gently burnt for Eros, also known as Cupid – God of love and son of Aphrodite. Finally, sage greeted Jupiter, God of rain, storms, thunder and lightening. We give thanks to the Gods for the wealth and beauty that surrounds us.

Happy Beltane.

Ostara/Eostre

The Goddess Ostara, or Eostre, is associated with fertility and it is during spring that she breathes new life into all us. Mother earth revitalises the life energy around us, and spring emerges with blossoms of effervescence and growth. As the days become brighter and the nights warmer, we find balance in light and dark.

Ostara is a time of birth and replenishment. It is an ideal opportunity to re-energise the body, stimulate the mind and invigorate the soul. Take some time to enjoy the exhilaration of restoration, find some balance within ourselves and embrace the nourishment and love waiting for us.