Solstice Thoughts

I need some sprinklings of healing magick. Every year, after the big days - the Solstice, Christmas Eve and Christmas, I feel this let down. This year is a bit worse - the autumn and Yuletide season just flew by leaving me rushing along behind, never quite catching up.

I'm not alone in these feelings. I've spoken to many folks who feel the same and there are a lot of them out there - where did the time go? Is it that we are older? Is it the fear of 2012 that so many seem to have? I personally have no issues with 2012 because I know exactly what happened with that calendar!

 So... this can't be the problem. ; ) What's going on? Just weird energy swirling around us? I don't know, but what I do know is that this will pass and I will be back to my old, feisty, effervescent self in no time at all. And that's the name of that tune!!!

In other news - and there seems to be plenty - I continue working on my project, A Book of Artes and Charms. I have three gals that want to be students/apprentices and I've decided with my magickal partner that we shall take them on. This is something that we really hadn't been interested in before, but these gals are just the right ones. They have that excitement and enthusiasm, the "I just can't wait" energy, it's quite lovely. Multiple tarot readings have been encouraging this path over the last eight months, so here we go. In addition, my partner and I will continue our "inner court" workings.

Stitching wise, well, I have not two, but three large projects just starting: Sampler Sisters of the Thread as mentioned before and only one line done, Autumn At Hawk Run Hallow not yet started but being carried everywhere I go, just in case, and A Marriage by Lizzie Kate. A Marriage will be stitched in time for our 32nd wedding anniversary at the end of May. I saw this on line, called my local shop and found that they had it. I scooted right over there to pick up the chart which comes with all the threads. It calls for 32 count Lambswool linen which I just happen to have an abundance of. The DH drove over with me which was a good thing as I left my wallet at home!!! However, that curtailed my shopping spree a bit. This is very different from what I usually stitch. I prefer traditional or primitive type designs, reproductions of antique samplers - that sort of thing. This one is much more modern looking, to me, but the verse is exactly what my DH and I always say about our marriage. So.... onward stitches! Of course there are a few smalls thrown in for a break such as "Cake For Jane Austen" by The Sampler Girl and a some others from various magazines and on-line freebies. I really plan to knuckle under and not buy anymore charts - well except the two whizzing there way from Europe, oh and Last Stitch Cemetery by Hinzeit - so adorable, I just couldn't resist, LOL, but it  isn't quite the New Year yet so it's all good. No comments from the peanut gallery, hehehe!

In any event, our Christmas Eve and Christmas day were both quiet, just the two of us and it was quite lovely. Christmas Eve dinner was spinach dip on crackers, pigs in a blanket and mini bagel pizzas along with homemade egg nog, shortbread and fudge for dessert. We then lit the fire and sat side by side, rocking, chatting and dozing a little, Sterling B at our feet. Christmas Day we slept in a bit, exchanged a couple of gifts, relaxed and chatted on the phone with relatives. Not a bad holiday although I did miss my Christmas Eve open house. Oh well, maybe next year, but we shall see. I really enjoyed just the three of us.

I hope much magick was had by all of you and you enjoyed yourselves. May the New Year be a wonderful one!

Blessings nine!

Woman Shaman: the Ancients

This is the trailer for Max Dashu's upcoming film, Woman Shaman, The Ancients. It is about the female spiritual leaders, healers, shamanesses, ecstatic dancers and priestesses who have been forgotten and dismissed by patriarchal historians and archeologists.

You can find more information at Max's website, www.suppressedhistories.net, as well as her Facebook page - just search "Suppressed Histories."

Be sure to turn off my playlist at the bottom of this page before viewing the video.

Blessings nine!

Today I Woke Up...

Blessings nine!

Winter Solstice Blessings!

Blessings of the Goddesses upon each of you and yours. May the return of the light bring fulfillment and peace to us all.

Blessings nine!

December - Introspection and Celebrating

Selenite towers looking wintery, icy and magical.

So much is happening this December. There seem to be so many goddesses to honor while participating in the mundane celebrations as well. Tonight, for example, is the Celebration of Creation, honoring Spider Woman, She who created the world and all within it. Although I do not follow a Native American path, She is a "goddess" who has always drawn my attention - the needlework, the weaving and spinning. I could not possibly not honor Her. She is a Crone, seated at Her spinning, benevolent, although sometimes known to be destructive - as are all Crone goddesses. She bestowed the gift of weaving upon Navajo women, although She is honored by many tribes.  So tonight, I will weave something special and unusual in Her honor, taking on the attributes of the spider to cast my threads, weave and stitch. It is said that Spider Woman guides the hands of those who pursue Her craft. It is traditional to rub the hands of baby girls with spiderwebs so that Spider Woman's gifts will be passed on to the child. For myself, I rub my hands with these webs before beginning a ritual of this sort. Different tribes honor Her differently, but for most, She is considered the Great Creatrix who watches over all Her people and Her world.

I will also make offerings and pay homage to Sapientia, the Roman goddess of wisdom on the 16th. Her festival was held each year on the eve of the Saturnalia, which I do not celebrate, but honoring Sapientia is very important, especially this year. I feel that I have been given many insights, lessons, much wisdom and many blessings throughout this year - some painful and tough to get through, but most joyously amazing. I have had a change in my journey that is so very important and is bestowing incredible experiences upon me, giving thanks on many levels, to many goddesses and spirits take precedence over everything else.

My annual Nine Nights Hallowing of the Winter Solstice will begin on the 18th, three nights of dusk, three nights of darkest night, the second night of this, the actual Solstice, and then three nights of the dawning. I've changed the days a bit and made some other changes in my ritual aslo, accommodating the changes in my path.

Of course there is Christmas Eve and I still haven't really decided what I will be doing. We usually have a large open house, but with other commitments, I think I will just invite a very few friends to enjoy some savories and sweets along with good conversation. This means we WILL have enough lasagna for Christmas day! In the past, when serving it Christmas Eve, my quests ate almost the whole pan!

My solstice tree is still not up, despite my best intentions, but will be by Friday. Why, you may ask? A very good reason. A special little being - 38 inches long and quite beautiful - has joined our family, a Ball Python I've named Circe. Due to the creation of a special home for her, I had to pull apart book cases and move furniture. Finally, everything is settling in, including Circe who has given her first shed to me. I can now make some interesting charms. She has a very sweet energy and I hope we will be doing some interesting work together. I know, I know, some of you are saying eew, yuck among other exclamations!

In addition to the above, more mundane tasks of baking, candy making and making sure those I love have wonderful goodies for the holidays. So... onward with this joyous and lovely season!

Blessings nine!

Let It Snow!

I thought this was rather cute! Be sure to turn off my play list at the bottom of the page before watching.
Enjoy!



Blessings nine!

Goddess Remembrances for December!

December 1st is a day to celebrate and honor two goddesses: Athena, the wise one of the Greek pantheon and Pietas, the Roman goddess of virtue and duty.

In honor of Pietas, consider what your duties are; to yourself, family, friends. Your most important duty is always to yourself, If you are not true to and honor yourself, you will never be able to do so for another. Light a candle and some incense as an offering and ask Pietas' blessings that you may fulfill that which is your duty.

Athena is also honored on December 1st, in Her aspect as Pallas Athena. Offer cake, barley cake if possible, rosemary and wine. For me, Athena is very much the weaver - a weaver of women's strength. Call upon her to aid you in standing up for yourself and speaking out for what you need.

On the 3rd, we celebrate Bona Dea, the Good Goddess, mother, nurturer, bestower of blessings. Apples, incense of sweet spices, honeyed, spiced wine make very good offerings. Be sure to give a little something to those less fortunate.

This day is also sacred to Cybele and Rhea, Great Mothers of the Earth. Call upon Them, honor Them with hymns, poetry and prayers. Milk with honey and spices make a lovely libation for Them.

December 7th is the Haloia of Demeter, a bit somber as She mourns the loss of Her Kore, wandering the earth in search of Her daughter. Light candles, offer barley and herbs as well as sweetened wine. Mourn with Her, but remember, as the seasons turn, Kore, the maiden, becomes Persephone, the Queen and Mother of the Dead. She will return to Her Mother in the Spring. Offer prayers and poetry of comfort to Demeter.

And that should keep you busy for a few days - it certainly will for me!

Blessings nine!

 

This and That

So... I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Mine was nice. We went to my husband's cousin's club - an incredible spread - turkey, ham, salmon in a cider glaze and probably the best prime rib I've ever had. There were all the traditional trimmings - stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, real cranberry sauce, green bean casserole and other side dishes I didn't/couldn't try.

The really phenomenal part of the meal was dessert. OK, for some this is always the best part; for me it just depends if there are mashed potatoes. If there are mashed potatoes, well that's the best part. But I'm getting away from the dessert - two rooms of desserts. Yes, really.

A good third of the various desserts were chocolate - chocolate covered everything - pretzels, fruits of all kinds - grapes - I couldn't eat those for some reason. I only took one because I thought it was a truffle. Why chocolate covered grapes seem so weird to me I cannot tell you. There were also kiwi slices, pineapple, strawberries and, believe it or not, carrots. The carrots were dipped, as were the fruits, half in chocolate. No, I didn't have any chocolate covered carrots or fruits. If I'm going to overdose on sugar it won't include slices of fruit.

There were cakes, pies, cookies, candy, custards... on and on - enough to overdose on in the most spectacular fashion. The coffee was especially good and finished off the meal nicely. I showed off photos of  my little, cutest baby on the planet, grand nephew over that great coffee. He's six months old and is standing already, yelling for his dada. His father's response to the post on FaceBook was "Oh sh*t." The older adults of my family - me included - are laughing madly!

There was one big problem on Thanksgiving; my husbands cousin, the host of our dinner, did not or actually could not attend - he has kidney stones and was passing one as we feasted. Really. His wife was with us and kept tabs on him via cell phone. He has many more stones. My husband went through this a month ago. A kidney stone gives men a taste of giving birth, or so I am told, never having experienced either - and by the blessings of the goddesses, never will. We spent the remainder of the evening with my husband's aunt, 89 and sharp as the proverbial tack - seriously, she's quite brilliant and we love spending time with her.

My mother went north this year to be with her youngest sister as my uncle, her husband, died on the 14th. I can remember being a very little girl when he and my aunt were dating and my sister and I both wanted to marry him. We were only 4 and 5 years old, I think. He was quite wonderful to us, but in our teens, teased us unmercifully. I married a man very much like him in that respect. They became good friends. My uncle was a great fan of Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons, so I've always loved them too. Very strange, my aunt and uncle became engaged in December, 1963. Many years later, Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons recorded "December, 1963, Oh What A Night" - now that is pretty interesting. We're very sad and miss him. I hope he and my dad are having a heck of a time together.

Into the shop Friday morning - the first time in almost thirty years that I've worked the day after Thanksgiving. Quite a day, as was today. Even in the magickal world, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are important days. People certainly bought gifts for others, but we still sold a lot of ritual and magickal-type goods, the usual. I went to the grocery store early Friday morning to buy mineral water, but otherwise I didn't want to be near shopping centers, malls, etc. other than my own little place.

I only performed a short ritual for the Dark of the Moon and left offerings at the hedge, nothing very elaborate. While dedicated to Hekate, I am hearing the call of Neolithic goddesses once again and researching and experiencing some different ritual. I am also experimenting with some different magick. Someone from a cyber-group I belong to called Hekate the flavor of the month because so many people seem to be drawn to Her. She does seem to be making Herself known to many, but I think that expression, flavor of the month, is rather disrespectful. Neither here nor there for me, but I do feel She is steering me in other directions. I will just have to see.

Sunday I will begin getting the Toadstool into order for the winter holidays. There are some new magickal powders that need making, spell kits for Solstice gifts, winter pot pourri to mix up and other holiday tasks, including the Christmas pudding - an apricot delight with a couple of pounds of butter in it. This pudding of all puddings will sit in the fridge, being doused in rum every Sunday, until Christmas Eve. On that night, with one more good dousing, we set it alight and then pour on the potent hard sauce and enjoy. Sensitive individuals have been known to get drunk on that pudding! Pair that pudding with my Sleigh-Ride Punch - hot and also full of rum, well... that's what brought on the screaming with laughter and playing with those funny little ball and basket things until three AM last Christmas!

The winners of my give-away should have their packages sometime during the week. I am preparing for my Divine Feminine Discussion and Meditation group at the shop on Tuesday. So... there we are, up to date and ready to move along. What a ramble!!! And no rum was involved, I swear!

Re: River of Stones, here's another:

Rose quartz - weighing and pricing for the shop - what a life!

Cotton candy pink crystal, rainbows peeking from within, here and there,

the energy of love vibrates all around me.

copyright 2011, E A Kaufman

Blessings nine!

Thanksgiving Blessings!

The year has turned its circle,

The Seasons come and go.

The harvest all is gathered in,

The chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their golden grain,

So open wide the doorway,

Thanksgiving comes again!

(author unknown)

Thanksgiving blessings to all!

Hail Demeter, I thank Her for all the bounty She brings!

May your day be filled with love, gratitude and abundance.

Eat, drink and nap joyfully!

Blessings nine!

Small Stones

I have, in the past, participated in the Small Stones project. For the month of January 2012, they are having a challenge to write one small stone a day, A River of Stones. What are small stones you may ask? According to Fiona and Kasper, the originators of this idea, they are very short pieces of writing, prose, poetry, what have you, that capture a precise moment, setting off a burst of emotion in you. You can read more here: http://www.writingourwayhome.com/p/river-jan-12.html

Of course, I jot these down every now and then, and when I saw this first thing this morning, it inspired a lovely memory from last week, evoking just such a burst of emotion perfect for one of these stones.

Tiny, beautiful ballerina, she finds a silk leaf on the shop floor, hidden in

a corner. Picking it up, she dances, tippy toes barely touching the floor,

tapping the leaf onto all the crystals.

"What are you doing?" we ask.

"I'm putting magic into my leaf," she answers.

Magic stones, magic little bit of a girl.

copyright 2011 E A Kaufman 

Blessings nine!

Hail Hekate! And... Giveaway Winners

(Be sure to turn off my playlist at bottom of page)

On this, Hekate's sacred night,

May She hear our voices as we say

Hail Great Hekate!

And now for the give-away! Thanks to all who entered. It was interesting to read which goddess has called to each of you. I was not really surprised to see Hekate's name so many times. And now on to the winners three! I wrote all the name on little bits of paper, placed them in one of my many cauldrons, sprinkled with some herbs and stirred well. My darling other half then reached in and chose a paper three times and here are the winners:

1. Allyson
2. Bianca
3. Linda

OK girls, send me your contact info so I can mail your goodies! Congrats and again, thanks to all of you for reading my blog!

Blessings nine!

Give-Away Reminder

Just a reminder that I will have the drawing for my giveaway tomorrow, November 16, Hekate's Night, just before midnight, so you still have today and tomorrow to throw your hat into the ring.

If you haven't posted a comment to the Give-Away post yet and would like to, please go here:
http://witchofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/11/give-away-finally.html

Post a comment and tell me which Goddess has had the most impact on your life.

Blessings nine!

Thank You!

To all the servicemen and women, past, present and future:

Thank you! 

And for those in the midst of danger now and giving so much for all of us:

May the Lady bless and watch over you!

Blessings nine!

New Anthology

My poem, Persephone's Ascent, will be included in the soon to be released anthology, Queen of the Sacred Way, A Devotional Anthology in Honor of Persephone. This will be the third anthology/devotional from Bibliotheca Alexandrina that I have been published in -

UnBound, A Devotional Anthology for Artemis

Bearing Torches, A Devotional Anthology for Hekate

and now:
 Queen of the Sacred Way, A Devotional Anthology in Honor of Persephone

These are all available at Amazon.com. I am not sure of the release date of the Persephone devotional, but the editor's blog has more info:

http://melittabenu.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/queen-of-the-sacred-way-table-of-contents/

I am honored to be included and hope you will consider supporting this small publisher by purchasing anthologies for holiday gifts. A list of current titles can be found here:

http://neosalexandria.org/bibliotheca-alexandrina/current-titles/

For forthcoming titles:

http://neosalexandria.org/bibliotheca-alexandrina/forthcoming-titles/

And now, I am off with a large cup of tea and Vicki Lane's newest Elizabeth Goodweather saga, Under The Skin (A Full Circle Farm Mystery - there are five others which I highly recommend)! Is there anything so cozy as tea, mystery, murder and mayhem? A delightful evening!

Blessings nine!

Give-Away... Finally!

OK, so finally I've got my give-away together! I want to say thanks to everyone of you for reading my blog and would love for everyone to have something, but this is what we'll start with. Beginning today, leave a comment for THIS post and tell me which goddess has had the most impact on your life. Also, you must be a follower of my blog. Feel free to post a link on your own blog and that will get you another chance to win - just comment with the link to your blog post - the actual post, not just the link to your blog. There will be three winners; the drawing on Hekate's Night, November 16th.

So, what are the goods?

Winner #1: Crystal Journey's Positive Energy Small Pillar candle, Dragon's Blood Incense, Om Nag Champa Incense (this is a bit more elegant than the traditional Nag Champa) - both of these very delicious, a citrine-chip bracelet, an amethyst druzy, Teavana's Tranquil Dreams Tea and a copy of my book, Enchanted.

Winner #2: Crystal Journey's Joy Small Pillar candle, Om Nag Champa Incense, a fluorite-chip bracelet and a package of Teavana Rooibos Chai Tea.

 Winner #3: Crystal Journey's Money Votive candle, Om Nag Champa Incense, a sodalite star and a package of Teavana Zingiber Ginger Coconut rooibos tea - this tea is really yummy.

So have at it and...

Blessings nine!

Pomona's Magick

Today is the Feast of Pomona, a Roman goddess of fruit trees, especially apples, and abundant fruitfulness. She was considered to be a guardian of people, homes, gardens and orchards. Her name is from the Latin "pomum" - apple.

Of course apples have long been a symbol of many goddesses and their worship. It is appropriate at this time of year that we honor Pomona and the magick of apples, therefore I offer the following magickal suggestions.

Take apples, peel a few strips only of the apple skin, remove core and split in half reserving the strips of peel and core.  Place in a baking pan, flat side up, add a bit of butter, sprinkle with cinnamon, cloves and/or a little maple syrup. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 - 45 minutes or until soft.  While cooking and eating, ask a blessing from Pomona for good health, protection and abundance. Be sure to save a slice to be presented as offering.

Take the reserved peel and wrap it around a sprig of thyme or oregano, perhaps even both, and a cinnamon stick. Using a knitting needle or awl, gently pierce the rolled peel in three places and stick cloves into each hole. Bake in a warm oven of 250 degrees for an hour or so to dry the peel and herb. Once dried, the peel can be added to an autumn pot pourri, used as offerings or in charms. Keep nearby when performing any divinatory or oracle workings.

Apples - sacred to many goddesses and a symbol of women's magick; enhances loving energies, love magick, wisdom and protection.
Thyme - cleanses and disperses stagnant energies while attracting new and positive energies. Also assists in opening the third eye.
Cinnamon - enhances magick, aids magickal focus and connecting to other realms.
Cloves - purifies, repels negativity and hostility, elevtes spiritual vibrations.
Oregano - brings joy, protective, good for wards.
Maple syrup - a sweetener - sweeteners sweeten people and situations; maple's magick brings protective, sheltering energy, as well as encourages good health, longevity and balance.

Don't forget to bury an apple or two outside your home, offerings for both Pomona and your ancestors.

copyright 2010 E A Kaufman - from the forthcoming, A Book of Artes & Charms.


Blessings nine!

A Hallows Journey

Hallows Journey

The rain falls down and down,

running, rivulets racing,

spattering leaves and windows,

patter, patter, whoosh!

Sheets of droplets scatter across the hedge.

The lake moves across itself.

Something opens, somethings calls.

I am weaving, casting threads,

clack, clack, the loom calls.

The threads move on their own,

twining about my fingers, wrists and arms,

dancing through my hair.

I am of the threads, their magick embraces me.

The dried corn on my door

knocks, knocks, knocks in the tireless wind.

Like a skeletal hand, bony and white;

Like a grandmother from the grave,

Holding high a lantern light.

Knock, knock, knock.

The Hallows bones… they are here.

I've lit the candles and sang the song,

the ghost roads appear before my eyes.

I've opened the portal, time to pass through the gate.

This road before me is earthy in scent,

tickles my nose with the aroma of the old and long gone.

Roots, like threads, all around me hang, 

stones and bones lay sleeping in the earth;

I grasp those roots as they reach for me,

and pull myself along.

On to the river I glide across.

Beside me, a companion who does not speak 

yet I can hear Her.

The shore is dark, but the way is lit,

The grandmother's lantern guides me.

I follow to the knocking of those bones,

trailing threads, leaving snips and bits as I walk.

Another gate and then a door,

I pass through hoping for what awaits.

Yes… they are all there,

Ancestors of blood and ways,

pale white, glowing and iridescent.

They are chatty and welcoming, but I am not surprised.

They touch my face, they take my threads.

They offer white seeds, milk and bread.

Willingly, I partake.

Like Persephone, I am aware of what I do.

For a time I am home, this Hallows Night.

copyright E A Kaufman

Early Hallows morning, 2011

Hallows blessings to you, my friends!

Home Again!

I have just recently returned from a trip to North Carolina and a wonderful visit to a couple of old friends. I spent long hours looking at buttons and antique sewing tools, talking and visiting various locations and events. I also had my other half take some playful, fun photos - such as above, I couldn't resist. The weather was chilly - mid thirties at night and only into the forties during the day. I was pretty comfortable though, participating in that time of a woman's life known as perpetual summer! In the above photo, which was taken on the road back from Hendersonville to Brevard after some antiquing, I wrapped up in my wool cape and posed appropriately - in my opinion! ; )

A too short meeting at the arboretum with my MoonMaid herbalist friend, Cynthia. We had a long, lovely chat, discussion of goddess and witchy issues and just generally caught up. She gifted me with a beautiful book of flower lore while I presented her with a Jim Shore Garden Fairy and a little silver pin of gardening tools. She lives on a mountain, growing a wild garden and preparing her products, mainly for women, but her ouch ointment in quite famous; my own husband is a great fan. We are hoping for a visit again in the late spring or early summer which will include a trek to the MoonMaid's mountain abode. (see moonmaidbotanicals.com for more info about her products.)

My other friend, with whom we stayed, is a close, close friend of many years. We met in the eighties when she and her husband owned an antique shop at Miami's historic Cauley Square. The four of us became very close and  spent a great deal of time together; we were partners in crime, so to speak. Bill passed away some years ago and we certainly miss him. They moved to North Carolina almost twenty years ago, got out the day Hurricane Andrew hit Miami-Dade County, but it always seems like no time has gone by and we pick up where we left off. We stayed up to too late talking, but it was a warm and wonderful visit.

I attended the Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival and have finally obtained a rigid heddle loom - yay and thanks be to Athena! I also picked up tips on my drop spindle spinning and hopefully, next year, will add a spinning wheel. Right now I will focus on my weaving. There were lots of wonderful like-minded folks at the festival, all friendly and willing to share information and tips. Needless to say the fibers and other goodies were gorgeous. My husband enjoyed himself tremendously and carried goods back and forth to the car. We found the soap maker we bought soap from a few years ago and laid in a good supply. Plenty of holiday gifts were purchased too. The following day we were off to the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in Asheville. Beautiful art! Added a few handmade wooden spoons to my collection including a very long, large spoon and ladle that will be very helpful to my apple butter making this week.

Sigh! I didn't want to leave North Carolina. Miss it and my buddies Helen and Cynthia already.

Well, life moves on and Hallows is a day away, followed by Pomona's Day when the apple butter making shall commence! I celebrate Hallows over a number of days - from the 31st through the 11th this year. Honoring the dead and spirit contact are a priority, readying myself for the introspective time of the winter and making certain charms only done at this time. There is a ritual to put together yet and getting my dear other half to drill hazelnuts, incense to make along with offerings and the libation brew.

Oh.. and of course I'm gearing up for a little give-away so keep in touch as it will be announced on Hallows with the drawing on November 11th!

Blessings nine!

All photos copyright E A Kaufman 2011

My Favorite Witch!

(Be sure to turn off my playlist below)

Blessings nine!

Pumpkin Baby!

I see a witchlet!

So... we are all getting ready for the great day, I'm sure. I will have an interesting post toward the end of the week and a Hallows give-away - stay tuned!

In the meantime, gathering apples for my apple butter making which will commence on Monday. I also bought a loom - yay!!! Finally! She's a 25" rigid heddle loom and I can't wait to get started working on her. More about this and other interesting adventures of the Witch of Stitches later on!

Blessings nine!

Halloween Humor II

Blessings nine!

Halloween Funny!

Cackle, cackle! 

Blessings nine!

Inspiring, Good Stuff!

(be sure to turn off my music at the bottom of the page)

I saw the link to this video here, which you will probably have to copy and paste:

http://danceswithfat.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/inferior-superiority-complex-a-rant/

 - a blog I started reading a short time ago. Ragen, of Dances With Fat, writes about fat acceptance, being healthy at any size, body image issues and... she's a dancer! Read the blog post. it will be good for you, no matter what size you are. Really. You'll likely go back and read her other posts too.

Ragen is SO inspiring, not just for big gals, but for everyone. Now, when I practice my ballet routines, I just think of Ragen and I dance joyously, without feeling self-conscious. I see the beauty of my movement, the lifting of arms and legs, the gentle turns and twists of my flowing, moving body. What a great thing! Now I'm making choices without obsessing, based on what is healthy for me. The need to be thin to be anything worthwhile has disappeared like smoke from a snuffed candle - wisp and away. Now I can take care of myself just because my life is worth it, because I want to care for it without thoughts of becoming an impossible to achieve size. I don't have to be anyone's image of beauty but my own. My mindset seems to have shifted with the reading of her words and the thoughts they provoked. I have cast a spell with Ragen's help.

What is my image of beauty? Someone who is happy, voluptuous, perfectly, pleasingly plump, abundant and beautiful with confidence and self-worth, full and satisfied with herself - myself.

Like Mayal Angelou, I still rise - I rise on my toes, I rise in my thoughts and my whole being... and I will keep on doing so.

Blessings nine!

October, October

Flying in to say Happy October! Things have been hectic with Rosh Hashanah, preparing charms, stitching, trying to teach myself to play the bowed psaltery, practicing the dulcimer (found a little three string to add to my instruments) and brewing potions. I haven't gotten out of the kitchen much with brisket, matzoh balls and eye of newt. Oh... and I decided to try to organize my desk - my motto - a tidy desk is the sign of an empty mind - so you get the picture.

A few Goddess celebration dates that I will be honoring:

October 4    Leiunium Cereris - a fast to honor Ceres (Roman.) Those who are unable to fast can just honor Her in whatever way feels appropriate.
October 5    Day to Honor the Manes (Blessed Dead) (Roman)
October 6    Purification of the Priestesses of the Oracle - a special cleansing for those who do divination or oracle work.
October  9   Day of Felicitas, Goddess of good fortune, prosperity and peace.
October 10  Day to Honor the Fates
October 11  Meditrinalia - Meditrina is a goddess of good health, longevity and wine - raise a glass to your health and wellbeing!
October 11  Winter Nights, sacred to Freya
October 12  Festival of Fortuna Redux, goddess of successful journeys and safe return.
October 11  Full Moon 10:07 PM EDT
October 26  Dark of the Moon 3:56 PM EDT
October 31  Hallows!
Nov. 1         Feast of Pomona, also known as the Apple Mother, She is goddess of fruit trees and their orchards.

That should keep us busy for a bit!

Blessings nine!

I Have A Pirate Name!

 

Not that I'm into pirates, but just for fun!

   My pirate name is:
   

 

    Red Ethel Vane    

 
 

    Passion is a big part of your life, which makes sense for a pirate. You tend to blend into the background occaisionally, but that's okay, because it's much easier to sneak up on people and disembowel them that way.    Arr!
   

  Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.

part of the fidius.org network
 

Ritual Thoughts From the Autumn Equinox

Last night we gathered in our Sacred Temple, a place made Holy by the many rituals and workings done there. In that place, where the Goddesses have been invoked and honored, where the Ancestors and Spirits of nature around us and the Other realms, seen and unseen, have been honored, once again we made that space sacred to honor the turning of the season and welcome the Autumn of the Year, the waning time, the descent of Persephone into the Underworld, the mourning of Demeter, Her Mother, and the guidance and magick of Hekate, the Cosmic Soul.

We traveled into the dark realms, the inner and deep Earth, where healing, nourishment, fear, danger and knowledge of the Mysteries awaited us if we had the courage and abilities to find our way. We descended into that place belonging to our Matron, Mistress of the Three Realms, Queen of all Magicks, Cosmic Soul and, in fact, Dame Fate, Herself. 

She took us for an intense ride, but Her blessings were upon us as we traveled the Ghost Roads in search of ourselves and the path She has laid before us. May we be strong and able to achieve the tasks She sets us. For we are Hekate's daughters, by blood and bone, by spirit and choice, our choice and Hers! So we proclaimed it and so it is, by the waning moon, by the waning year and sealed with our blood!

To all of you, a blessed and happy Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home and Second Harvest. May you know abundance in all that is most important in your lives. Many thanks for visiting me here and allowing me to share my thoughts with you, for sharing your thoughts with me. And may She who is our Mother, always make Herself known to you, may She keep you well as you trod this path we have been given.

Blessings nine!

Lady Autumn

Lady Autumn



Lady Autumn, Queen of the Harvest,


I have seen You in the setting Sun


with Your long auburn tresses


blowing in the cool air that surrounds You.


Your crown of golden leaves is jeweled
with amber, amethyst, and rubies.


Your long, flowing purple robe stretches across the horizon.


In Your hands You hold the ripened fruits.


At Your feet the squirrels gather acorns.


Black crows perch on Your outstretched arms.


All around You the leaves are falling.


You sit upon Your throne and watch 


the dying fires of the setting Sun


shine forth its final colors in the sky.


The purple and orange lingers 
and glows like burning embers.


Then all colors fade into the twilight. 


Lady Autumn, You are here at last.


We thank You for Your rewards.


We have worked hard for these gifts.


Lady Autumn, now grant us peace and rest.



By Deirdre Akins

Blessings nine!

An Autumn Day

An Autumn Day

Tell me when the days turn cold

And the crisp, bitter nights set in

I'll bid adieu, adieu to the sun

And embrace the northern winds

Wake me from my restless sleep

For the trees will crackle soon

And Shed their cumbersome coats and dance

Bare with me and the moon

My mouth how it waters in pure delight

Dreaming of scented dregs

Cinnamon, pumpkin, apple spice

Swirling in my head!

And on Halloween, I'll await you where

The headless one rides by

Chasing after phantom fools

And so this night shall I,

September days may shorten in length

October evenings can fright

November rains may fall and freeze

Over the Saman night

But deep within the heart

Of the dormant Earth

The little buds await the Fall

To ensure them of rebirth

And so I sit much like them

Dependent in every way

Upon the plentiful harvest,

Of an autumn day.

B. R. Jording

The Witch-flame of Hestia

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, I am planning my rite and celebration for this, the Witch's Thanksgiving and the second of the harvest festivals. Unlike many Pagans, I do not celebrate Mabon because it is a Celtic-inspired celebration. As I am dedicated to the Dianic Goddess path, I choose to honor those Goddesses whom I feel represent the mysteries of this time of year - Hekate, my matron Goddess, Demeter, who has given us the harvest and Persephone who begins Her descent into the Underworld.

In Ancient Greek religious rites a flame was always lit for Hestia first and extinguished last - for Hestia, thine is the first and last. Leaving the patriarchal overtones of Hellenic Greek religion, I keep this honoring of Hestia who blesses hearth and home. I am the keeper of the flame in my home, she who nourishes and sustains my little family guided and blessed in this role by Hestia. Both the hearth and stove are kept sacred to Her - a reclaiming of woman as Queen and Mistress of the Home. A woman may do anything she chooses today, any profession or none, being a mother and wife or remaining single, independent and free even when sharing her life with a partner. This includes honoring herself as the priestess of her home.

Before beginning any rite and also once weekly, I light a special flame for Hestia, to honor Her and show my devotion. For ritual workings, this becomes my witch fire; for the blessing of hearth and stove, a simple prayer and offering. I share here the invocation I use for the Equinox.

Invocation to Hestia For the Autumn Equinox

(recite and light candle or lamp before beginning the main rite)

You, Hestia, the Keeper of the Sacred Flame,

I light this flame in Your holy name.

(light the candle or lamp)

Come, be honored here in the home temple

of a Priestess of the Olde Ways.

Gathered together in this temple are those who

honor and revere You.

Receive our praises, Beloved Hestia.

As time stands still and the light fades,

Bring to this hearth and home Your warming fire.

Lady, light the flame in our hearts and hearths.

(an offering of incense such as cinnamon and clove or other such

kitchen herbs should now be made)

Hestia, Light of Heart and Hearth,

We offer sweet spices, we offer our praise.

Hail, Hestia!

(from the forthcoming, A Book of Artes & Charms, copyright 2011 E A Kaufman)

Blessings nine!

So September Arrives!

copyright 2010 E A Kaufman

... all things change and pass in the end,

and when they are past we must rest and forget.

That too is the law of the gods.

When the summer is over, the land must sleep,

root and stone and water and earth:

the seed in the furrow, the beast in the hole,

the leaf on the tree giving itself to the air,

lightly - lightly - no weight staying it

- to fall to the ground and to rest.

To rest and to rest, safe on the ground,

deep under the snow,

with nothing to trouble it, only to rest.

... Rest, rest and forget.

The seed to the furrow, the beast to the hole,

the leaf to the ground,

and all to rest and forget.

- from The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope -

Happy September! Ah... how I love the change from August to September. The great wheel of the seasons slowly, slowly moving. I  look forward to certain tasks - changing the quilt on our bed, mixing a new cinnamon and clove pot pourri. I also pull out my worn and spattered recipe for apple butter, waiting for new apples to arrive. And then... pomanders! Those clove studded oranges that leave my fingertips stained brown and scented with cloves and orange no matter how many times I wash them. Delish! They add that wonderful orange spice scent to my home along with the apple butter. Oh... and my favorite Fanny Farmer Apple Cake recipe - also spattered and worn - scrumptious, buttery and spicy. Casseroles, stews, soups - all the recipes come out and so what if it is still warm outside? Inside, Autumn is about to arrive! It all makes me feel so Septemberish. Ah, if only I could live in Autumn all year long!

And, of course, there are magicakal tasks too; brews, herbal blends to prepare; spells and rituals to review - all for the coming season - The Autumn Equinox and Hallows; dark moons and full moons. 

So tomorrow, upon rising, the September tasks begin! A delightful day ahead.

Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it.

If I were a bird

I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

- George Eliot -

Blessings nine!

One Stitch At A Time

Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern; 

it will come out a rose by and by.  

Life is like that - one stitch at a time 

taken patiently 

and the pattern will come out all right 

like the embroidery. 

-Oliver Wendell Holmes-

Marjoram in Magick

Marjoram

Most people have this herb in their spice cabinet. For the kitchen witch, it is a wonderful herb to cook with as well as an excellent herb for magick. It will help in spells for a variety of issues. Named after a city in Sicily, it is a common plant found everywhere. 

For protection, marjoram is quite powerful. Sprinkling the herb into corners or on window sills and at doorways, about the house or work place, will keep away bad luck and protect the inhabitants from harm or malicious intent. One should vacuum or sweep away each month at the new moon and replace with fresh.

Sicilians believed marjoram could banish sorrow. For grief, sadness or even mild depression, place some of the herb in a small pouch or square of cloth, add an apache tear and tie up. The buds of Balm of Gilead can be added to enhance the charm.

Around the home, add to food along with basil to ensure peaceful, happy energies for the family. It is especially useful for keeping love strong. Drink as a tea to gain love, happiness, healing, wealth and all good in general. Add to pot pourri with rose petals or tie up in a square of cloth and hang on the connubial couch to keep marital relations harmonious.

copyright 2011 E A Kaufman

Blessings nine!

Voice of the Trees Give Away!

Mickie Mueller is a fabulous, fantasy artist whose work includes Goddesses, fairies and other magickal beings as she writes in her profile. Well, she's having a great give-away at her blog, so... follow the link and join in for a chance at the goodies she's offering:

http://mickiemuellerart.blogspot.com/2011/08/win-signed-copy-of-voice-of-trees-and.html

Take a look at her Etsy shop to see some of her wonderful art:

http://www.etsy.com/people/MickieMuellerStudio?ref=ls_profile

Blessings nine!