Winter Solstice Tree Blessing

Winter Solstice Tree Blessing

Holy Lady, Creator of Trees,

Bestow Your abundant blessings upon

This, our Solstice Tree, a symbol of Joy.

May its evergreen branches be a sign

of Your never-fading love & wisdom.

May its colorful lights and ornaments

decorate our home and our world with love & peace.

May the gifts that surround this tree

be symbols of the gifts we have received

from the beautiful Earth Herself.

Blessed Winter Solstice Tree within our home,

may joy & peace, wisdom & abundance,

compassion & love come nest

in your branches and in our hearts.

So Mote It Be!

(a Christian prayer for blessing the Christmas tree, found at Beliefnet.com and reworded for Pagans by EAK)

Haloia of Demeter

December 7th is the Haloia of Demeter which is a remembrance of Demeter's mourning for Her loss of Persephone. She withdrew Herself from the world and all things ceased to grow. The Earth turned cold, barren, as the one who had provided for all suffered the sorrow and loss of Her daughter.

Much is to be learned from the myth of Demeter and Persephone for women. Many women watch their children grow and leave home, suffering empty nest syndrome and withdrawing themselves from their usual pursuits while they figure out their new life. I have always thought this was exactly what Demeter was doing. Ultimately, there was no choice but to accept the inevitable and continue on, which is just what She did.

At this time, close to the Winter Solstice, the Earth had withdrawn Her bounty, there is cold and stillness, time for reflection, a time to look within and review the past year. In honor of Demeter and Her time of mourning, reflection and moving on, I take time to review and reflect as well. I light some candles, and recite the following prayer, then spend some time considering my own losses and how, whatever the situation, I continue on, as Demeter does, as we all must do. This remembrance is a part of the cycle of life.

Prayer to Demeter Melaina

an adaptation from Jennifer Reif's Mysteries of Demeter

The Land lies barren as You search, dark & sorrowing

For Your maiden daughter.

Your great powers of creation draw inward.

As field & meadow lie fallow, You mourn.

For She who was born from Your womb has descended

Into Tartarus and is no longer by Your side.

But from Thee, Melaina, and Thy shadows

Shall compassion rise.

Into the darkness of Your solitude,

You dwell alone in Your fragrant temple.

Life gives birth to understanding.

One who once raged in sorrow finds tenderness

Being born in Her Divine Being.

In compassion, You descend into the Underworld

To give Your blessings which heal all worlds,

Teaching understanding to

Tartarus, Earth & High Olympus.

O Blessed art Thou, Holy One.

Great praises to both the fallow & the dark.

All honor to Demeter Melaina!

Tonight I make an offering of barley, fruit and seeds along with a libation of sweetened, spiced wine at the hedge circle, then I will have a quiet little time of contemplation. And... I will consider all my blessings as well!

An little tidbit from About.com which I have never heard of and thought was a appropriate finish for this post - "Ancient Greeks might also dedicate sneezes to Demeter, similar to someone saying "God bless you!" An unexpected or timely sneeze could be thought to have oracular meaning as a message from Demeter, perhaps to abandon the idea under discussion. This may be the origin of the phrase "not to be sneezed at", not to be discounted or taken lightly." Well, that is interesting, especially as my post began with a sneeze!

Blessings nine!

Bona Dea, The Good Goddess

Here is a little bit about Bona Dea, the Good Goddess. Tonight and tomorrow are the nights associated with Her December rites.

Bona Dea is an ancient goddess of women and healing, identified with the Great Goddess, the Serpent-Goddess, Artemis, Aphrodite, Persephone, Demeter and Hekate. She is alternately described as sister, wife or daughter of Faunas and called Fauna, Fatua or Oma. An earth and fertility goddess, She is a great protectress of women, She guides us through all phases of female life including sexuality, birth and death. She also was considered a goddess of the Underworld, divination, wealth and abundance, as well as healing.

Bona Dea was worshipped exclusively by women, men being forbidden to participate in Her rites or even to speak or know Her name. Male animals, even paintings of male animals or men were not permitted in Her temple. Her rites, conducted in December and May were secret and little is known about them, but were likely related to agricultural activities. However, the early December nocturnal rites likely had other associations that remain a mystery to us. The Vestal Priestesses were participants in these rites. It is interesting to note that wine was also forbidden in Her rites and temples, yet the women of Rome libated and drank wine, but called it "milk" - wine was never mentioned in the temple or during the rites which were celebrated at the homes of various Roman matrons.

Bona Dea tended the sick in Her temple garden with healing herbs. The myrtle plant however, was forbidden in both Her temple and garden. Consecrated snakes were kept in Her temple in Rome. The snake is one of Her symbols, a symbol of healing.

Max Dashu, on her Suppressed Histories website (www.suppressedhistories.net) includes the following:

Diana had another grove at Tibur, where she was called Opifera, “help-bringing.” [Palmer, 58, 77; Ogilvie, 65-7]

Opifera was also a title of Bona Dea, the “good goddess,” whose temples nourished a culture of female sovereignty and outright resistance. Tradition said that women built the sanctuary of Bona Dea in the distant past, and its association with the women's mysteries endured. [Drinker; Goodrich, 256] No men were allowed in this temple or the nearby temple of Diana, the headquarters of plebian women. Diana was seen as a protector of the oppressed classes, especially the enslaved. This was true of Bona Dea and Ceres as well. [Spaeth, 92, identifies Ceres as the goddess of the plebeians.]

Bona Dea's Roman temple was built over a cave where the priestesses kept sacred serpents. An ancient source says that these snakes “neither felt nor inspired fear.” [Scheid, 391] Statues of the goddess show a snake coiling around her right arm, drinking from an offering bowl in her hand. Her left arm cradles a cornucopia, the attribute of Fortuna and Terra Mater. Her priestesses ran an herbarium: “... all kinds of herbs are found in her temple, from which the priestesses mostly make medicines which they distribute...”[Hurd-Mead, 49; quote, Brouwer, 224] Snakes and healing herbs were also kept at the grove of the goddess Angitia or Anguitina at lake Fuscinus. [Piscinus, online]

From Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, the following information is found: Fauna was also regarded as a goddess possessed of healing powers, as might be inferred from the serpents being part of her worship; but we know that various kinds of medicinal herbs were sold in her temple, and bought largely by the poorer classes. (Macrob., Plut., Arnob. ll. cc.) Greek writers, in their usual way, identify the Bona Dea with some Greek divinity, such as Semele, Medeia, Hecate, or Persephone. The Angitia of the Marsians seems to have been the same goddess with them as the Bona Dea with the Romans.

The women who celebrated the festival of Fauna had to prepare themselves for it by abstaining from various things, especially from intercourse with men. The house of the consul or praetor was decorated by the Vestals as a temple, with flowers and foliage of every kind except myrtle, on account of its symbolic meaning. The head of the goddess's statue was adorned with a garland of vine-leaves, and a serpent surrounded its feet. The women were decorated in a similar manner. Although no one was allowed to bring wine with her, a vessel filled with wine, stood in the room, and from it the women made their libations and drank. This wine, however, was called milk, and the vessel containing it mellarium, so that the name of wine was avoided altogether.

Epithets: Fatuella/Fatua (from fatum, oracle, fate, destiny)

Aurita ( healer of ear diseases)

Oculata Lucifera (She Who Brings Light to the Eyes - healer of eye disorders)

Restituta/Restitutrix (She Who Heals or Restores)

Symbols: Cornucopia, snakes (a symbol of healing), coins

To honor Bona Dea in December, over the nights of the 3rd and 4th, light candles both dark and light: brown and yellow or green and gold; an earthy incense of cypress, evergreen or pine may be burned. A libation of milk laced with wine and offerings of barley, seed from pumpkin or squash, eggs and apples may be offered. Give thanks for all that She has bestowed upon you over the past year.

Bona Dea, both dark and light,

Mistress of the Fertile Earth and the Lands beneath,

I give thanks for the abundance You have bestowed upon me & mine.

May You heal my loved ones and myself and all others with great need.

For You are Mother of us all, Queen of many realms, Mistress of Healing

And I bow before You, Great One, I give these offerings with honor and thanks,

May You find them pleasing for they are truly given in the spirit of love.

Leave the offerings and spill the libation at some quiet and natural place if possible. Let your candles burn themselves out.

(copyright E A Kaufman, 2009)

Blessings nine!

Mother Holle

image from http://www.lokis-mythologie.de

Mother Carey am I, also known as Holle,

She who keeps the old stories you love to tell.

When I shake my pillow, the snow falls,

And I ride the wild winds of change & forgetting.

I can turn your dreams inside out or upside down,

Or gather you under the wings of my stormy petrel

And send you forth in search of fresh wisdom

Along the wind's keen ridge.

Whenever you see or hear me

You will know that wonder is near,

The wonder of Winter's darkness

And the light it hides inside.

- Caitlin & John Matthews -

The Sun in the Greenwood Ritual

As with many ancient goddesses, Holda is complex. Also called Hulde and Frau Holle, she goes by a variety of names and takes different forms, depending on locale and culture. In her form as a beneficent and noble White Lady, Holda is beautiful and stately, with long, flowing golden hair, which shines with sunlight as she combs it. She wears a white gown covered with a magical white goose down cape. At Yuletide, she travels the world in a carriage and bestows good health, good fortune, and other gifts to humans that honor her. She not only is connected with Winter Solstice itself, but also with the holiday season that continues many of its customs, the 12 days of Christmas -- from December 25 through January 6.

- Selene Fox -

December!

Welcome to You, Old One.

Welcome to the snow & ice,

Welcome You in, this Winter day.

Old One, Cold One,

Though we fear Your storms,

Yet we welcome You

Into our winter hearts,

With Your cleansing breath...

- John Matthews, from Invocation to the Old One -

When darkest winter draweth near,

The light is kindled without fear;

Love sparks at Midwinter so deep,

This blessed time in our hearts keep...

- Caitlin Matthews, from The Winter Wedding -

Yes, friends, the darkness wins,

but these short days so celebrate the light:

Among us, too, let's sing what winter forces us to know:

Joy & color bloom despite the night.

We measure warmth by love, not by degrees.

- Patricia Monaghan -

December is here and the holidays, however one celebrates them, are coming on fast. For me, December continues that journey inward and the internal work that involves. Meditation, journey work and celebrating the darkness of the year are all part of what I do at this time. Of course there is a great deal of celebration as well. I have begun decorating my home for the Winter Solstice, baking and gift making. I immerse myself in the season of winter and its holidays, celebrating winter goddesses as well as those I am dedicated to.

In my baking I like to use plenty of spices, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg. Did you know that nutmeg, according to medieval herbalist Hildegard von Bingen, when eaten, opens the heart and puts one in a good state of mind (Physica, 1, 21)? She recommends taking some nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, grinding them up and adding to flour and water to make little tarts. "Eat these often and it will lower the bitterness of your heart and your mind and open your heart and numbed senses. It will make your spirit happy, purify and cleanse your mind, lower all bad fluids in you, give your blood a good tonic, and make you strong (Physica, 1, 21). Well!!! Now I know why I love to put these spices in so many foods I eat and the tea I drink. I also love the scent of these spices and use them and their essential oils to scent Toadstool Condo.

In addition to these spices, I love the scent of evergreens, pine, balsam, fir with just a touch of clove. Lovely! Debbie, at www.Aromathyme.com, has some wonderful blends: Evergreen and Holiday Spice which I like to use in a diffuser, four parts Evergreen and one part Holiday Spice. I also add some other secret things as well for magical purposes which keeps everyone happy when they visit Toadstool Condo.

The turkey from Thanksgiving is just about used up, just some leftover turkey casserole and some turkey mushroom barley soup - very delicious! That will feed us on Tuesday and Wednesday and I can focus on finishing the decorating and stitching some ornaments.

In addition to the usual December holidays, it is a busy goddess month!

Dec. 1 - Day of Pallas Athena

Dec. 2 - Full Moon, 2:32 AM EST, Festival of Broken Needles, Japanese festival of craftswomen

Dec. 3 - Festival of Bona Dea, The Good Goddess

Dec. 5 - Day of Lucina, pagan goddess of light & childbirth

Dec. 7 - Haloia of Demeter, She wanders in sadness, bringing Winter to the Earth.

Dec. 11 - Arainrhod, Welsh goddess of stars & reincarnation

Day of Bruma, Roman goddess of the Winter Season

Dec. 13 - Little Yule, a festival of lights

Dec. 15 - Alcyone, Halcyon Days, the 7 days before and 7 days after the Winter Solstice, a time of peace.

Hekate's Deipnon (leave offerings at a crossroads)

Dec. 16 - New Moon, 7:03 AM

Sapientia, Roman goddess of wisdom

Dec. 20 - Mother Night, Odinist festival of midwinter, dreams on this night are said to foretell the future.

Dec. 21 - Winter Solstice, 12:47 PM EST

Dec. 22 - Birth of the Goddess Rhiannon

Dec. 23 - Festival of Acca Larentis, sacred to the Roman goddess Laurentina, an earth goddess who guards the dead and the seed corn, also mother of the Lares, guardian spirits of the home.

Dec. 27 - Birth of Freya

Dec. 29 - Festival of the Nymphs

Dec. 31 - Roman Night of Hekate, Full Blue Moon, 2:14 PM

Jan. 1 - The Morrigan, The Fates, Celebration of Fortuna, Bertha

Jan. 2 - Birth of Inanna, Sacred Day of Isis,

Jan. 3 - The Deer Mothers (Native American)

Jan. 5 - Feast of Befana

Jan. 6 - Twelfth Night, Day of the Triple Goddess

Blessings nine!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Four Am and I am wide awake!!!! Why, you may ask? Because I was so tired so early and went to sleep instead of trying to stay awake until a reasonable bed time. It was a trying day though, a roller set, a man's haircut and a haircut on long hair at school. Now, yesterday when I was cutting, I snipped my finger - my index finger. OK, not too bad, everyone cuts themselves and I just offer it as a blood sacrifice, LOL. But today!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today I snipped the tip of my middle finger right off. One of the teachers startled me as I was cutting and ..... ouch! Bled like crazy and the weird thing is, the client was the daughter of yesterday's client. They must think I'm an idiot. Oh well.

Moving right along, I have a lovely four day weekend ahead of me, which I plan to enjoy fully by relaxing, stitching, reading and relaxing. I'm not even cooking Thanksgiving dinner, we are joining relatives. The only cooking-oriented mission is the Christmas pudding which I always make on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It is steamed in the mold, cooled, wrapped and doused with rum every Sunday until Christmas Eve. We have a gathering of Jews and Pagans on Christmas Eve - a wild time I assure you!

So back to Thanksgiving, the ultimate time of year to be grateful. Actually, I am grateful every day for my wonderful life, but today I try to make it a little special and make sure everyone knows how much they mean to me. I will light a candle and say a special blessing for all the treasures in my life. Here are a few things:

I am grateful for my family and friends who love me and keep me going through life, happily and enthusiastically, even when I am a curmudgeon.

I am grateful for the freedom to follow my spiritual path openly and without fear.

I am grateful for all I have materially, Toadstool Condo, my books, my plants, my crystals & stones, my wonderful comfy chair, everything that makes my home a sanctuary.

I am grateful for my mother, who, among other things, instilled a love of reading in me at an early age - it has brought the universe to my doorstep.

I am grateful for nimble fingers that can stitch, paint, write and play music, among other things.

I am grateful for my little cat, Stirling B, a wise little kittle who gives love and joy everyday.

I am grateful for my husband, who loves and supports me in all I do, who thinks, in fact, that I am the most wonderful person he has ever met!

The list could go on and on and on - I have so much in my life, but suffice to say, I am grateful for every fabulous day and all the blessings that have been and continue to be bestowed upon me.

May your Thanksgiving bring you joy! Blessings nine!

Recollections of Hekate's Night

On this, Hekate's night, I began my evening of ritual by preparing the libation for Her; apple cider, Strega Liquor, cinnamon & clove, a splash of very fine olive oil and, unplanned, a bit of my blood. For the offering, a bit of apple cake made yesterday evening, an egg, cloves, barley, olives and mushrooms. I rarely plan the offerings in advance. Oh, I know what is acceptable, but always, I allow intuition to guide my selection. Tonight, I included mushrooms. Why? I cannot say anything other than I felt guided to do so. After preparing myself and washing my hands, I lit the fire in the hearth, candles and incense. I then honored my Lady with recitations of many hymns, prayers and poems. I spoke with Her, blessed the libation and offerings, then made my way outside. The air was cool and the wind gentle but constant. I stood for a bit before greeting the spirits of my land. When I was sure of their attention, I made my way to the hedge circle, walking widdershins as I wished to process towards the deeper realms. Inside the hedge, I made my offering and tipped the cup with my libation while reciting a prayer for this purpose. I stood a while listening, being heard and then began my procession back, deosil. Walking towards Toadstool Condo, I did not look back.

Inside, the fire crackled and the candles flickered. I sat down preparing to journey as the clock struck eleven. I focused upon the fire and candles so that when I closed my eyes, I would be aware of the flickering light which helped me toward trance. I focused only upon the darkness and the occasional flicker of light. My breathing slowed and I lost touch with the room, still aware of the movement of light which was no longer a flicker, but more like a dark mirror with cracks radiating from the center. Next, I was aware that I had begun to swim, undulating, slowly then quickly then slowly again. The water was crystal green and long strands of seaweed danced slowly, touching me softly. I was aware that I was not alone, but could not see anyone or anything else. I continued swimming, aware only of the pleasure of movement, lightness, the quiet.

The clock striking the half hour brought me back to my home rather abruptly. I was once more aware of the fire crackling loudly as if in protest of being forgotten. The light of the candles were still and silent, the scent of the now extinguished incense, lingering. Without thinking I rose from my chair and realized my mistake immediately - dizziness! I got my bearings and then grounded myself, reconnecting deeply with the earth, feeling its pull upon my body. The dizziness passed. After reaffirming my dedication to Her, I asked for Her blessings upon those who are ill and one person that had passed yesterday. I then made my farewells to Hekate.

Incredibly thirsty, I poured myself some ice water and ate a small bit of the apple cake - all to bring me back to the mundane world, giving me further grounding. I felt quiet, peaceful and, once again, filled with gratitude that I had found this path, as my own, among so many.

Blessings nine!

Hekate's Night is November 16

artist: Eric Taco Hurtado

"The Earth began to bellow, trees to dance

And howling dogs in glimmering light advance,
Ere Hekate came."

The Night of Hecate is November 16. If you honor Hekate on no other night, this is the one I would suggest. This is Her night and She is closer to us than on any other.

Hekate is seen in many ways. In ancient Greek myth, She is called a maiden. Medieval and modern times portray Her as a crone. The Goddess Hecate is a goddess of the night, the full and dark moons, crossroads, life and death, transformation and transitions. She is a Keeper of wisdom, the unconscious mind and is considered to be the queen goddess of magic. Hekate holds the keys to the Gates of the Underworld and to all mysteries. Ancient Greeks placed statues of Her at the doorways for protection. For those who honor Her, She will bestow many gifts, including magical abilities and prosperity.

For me, Hekate is ageless; She is maiden, mother and crone, all at the same time. When first drawn to Her, many years ago, I had very few resources from which to study. The only information available to me (no internet at that time) was that of Her aspect as crone; I saw Her as part of the maiden, mother, crone myth. However, it never seemed quite right, other images, those of a younger, stronger goddess came to me. Eventually over years of study, I found the Hekate I knew was the one who called to me, the Hekate of classical Greece, of pre-classical Greece and Asia Minor and as part of the triplet Artemis, Selene and Hekate.

However She presents Herself to you, give honor to Her by sitting in some quiet place, lighting candles, invoking Her and then leaving offerings of any of the following or combination: garlic, eggs, almonds, barley, pomegranate and/or seeds, figs, dates, apples and olives as well as the wood and/or leaves of willow and yew. I also offer dark sweet spices such as cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. A libation can also made to Hekate. Spiced wine or cider laced with honey should be placed in an offering cup or chalice, placed on the ground and gently tipped over to flow into the earth. The offerings should be placed directly on the ground as well. The offerings and libations can be left at a place you find sacred. A crossroads is an especially powerful place to leave the offerings - any quiet intersection where you can place them safely will do. When you have placed the offerings and made your libation, walk away and do not look back, especially if you have made some petition. This is a very good time to dedicate yourself to Hekate if you are so inclined and have been feeling yourself drawn to Her.

Titles & Other Names:

Chthonian/Khthoniai (Of the Earth/Underworld Goddess)

Propylaia (The One Before the Gates)

Enodia (Of the Paths)

Propolos (The Attendant Who Leads)

Soteira (Savior)

Trivia (Of the Three Roads)

Kleidouchos (Keeper of the Keys)

The Distant One

Queen of Night

Night Mother

Queen of the Ghosts

Queen of the Witches

Mother of Witches

Mistress of Magic

Most Lovely One

Prytania "The Invincible Queen Of The Dead

Nyktipolis Khthonie (Night Wanderer of the Underworld)

Antaia (Sender of Nocturnal Visions)

Brimo (Terrifying, also meaning the crackling of fire)

Tomorrow night will find me at our hearth where my altar is located, lighting candles, making invocations and prayers, then casting myself beyond the hedge into some journey work. I will finish with a little magic. When my workings are complete, I will make my libation and offerings at the hedge circle outside Toadstool Condo.

Invocations:

I invoke You, Beloved Hekate of the Crossroads and the Three Ways.

Saffron-cloaked Goddess of the Heavens, the Underworld and the Sea.

She who guides the souls of the dead, She who lights the Path.

Nightgoing One, Unconquerable Queen, Tauropolos,

Keyholding Mistress, Ruler, Nymph, Maiden.

Come, be present at these, my sacred rites.

(adaptation of the Homeric Hymn to Hekate by EAK)

Hail, mighty Hekate of the Threshold,

Keeper of the Keys to all Mysteries,

Mother of Magic, Mother of Night,

Guide me with Thy luminous light

And make it laden with good things.

Drive from me those things that do not serve my highest good

And when my soul rages about worldly things,

Deliver me purified by Your soul-stirring rituals.

Reveal to me the pathways of divine guidance that I long for,

Then shall I gaze upon Your precious light.

Give me Your hand and when I am weary

Bring me to the haven of Your cave with Your winds.

Hail, many-named Mother, Hekate of the Threshold!

(adapted by EAK from Proclus Diadochus' Hymn VI To Hekate & Janus)

May all of you who take time to celebrate Hekate on Her night, receive Her blessings and magic!

Blessings nine!

Jane Austen, the Goddess Pages & the weekend!

Well, another busy week. Took my pre-salon final and have now moved on to the next level at school. I even have two customers booked for next week!

Too busy to stitch, but I did manage to finish Sense & Sensibility & Sea Monsters and move on to Pride & Prejudice & Zombies which is even more of a hoot! Really enjoying it. And if you think that should be enough Jane Austen for me, you would be wrong! Thanks to Netflix, tonight I watched Northanger Abbey, Masterpiece 2007 version, which was just great. Looking forward to Becoming Jane as well as Miss Austen regrets.

Now, that should have been enough excitement for a week, but there was more! I will have an article in the winter issue of Goddess Pages. This is both a paper and on line magazine. My article is an account of my Nine Nights of the Winter Solstice Hallowing in 2007 which includes the ritual and some magical work. I am honored and pleased. You can find out more info at http://www.goddess-pages.co.uk/

I am off to the Inner Mysteries Intensive workshop with Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone in Miami this weekend. I attended last year in May and enjoyed meeting them both so I'm looking forward to this year's event.

Blessings nine!