Blog changes

In an effort to get this blog back on track I have simplified it, deleted some of the attached one-topic blogs
and focused on Sabbats and Esbats, which was the original intent.
Other writings will be in 'stumbling upon the path of the goddess'
and the Borrowed Book of Charms is still active.
Links in the right hand column.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

house cleaning witchy style


I have a hard time getting started with housework, once I get going I like making everything clean and shiny, it's just that I can find lots of reasons for avoiding it.
This morning I lit a bundle of sage and some sweetgrass in a cauldron, but some Blackmore's Night blasting on the stereo and got a lot done.  The house looks clean, smells clean and FEELS clean.
Works every time.

Friday, October 29, 2010

2 Days to Samhain

The wonderful thing about this fire festival is that you can celebrate it on the 31st, on the day before, the day after, all week or all month.  There is Halloween for the kids (and the kid in everybody), All Soul's Day for the Christian mystics among us (and there are lots) and Samhain for those of us on the pagan path.
You can be as open as you want, everybody wants to believe on Samhain.  I will be setting a table for the ancestors, handing out candy to the trick-or-treaters and later enjoying a ritual.
My favorite farmstand says they had to hire extra help this year to get the pumpkins ready and the corn stalks bundled.


Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Full Moon Cleansing Ritual


First clean your ritual space, get rid of any clutter, clean and dust the area.

Lay out the items you need.
Cauldron or other heat proof container
White sage and sandalwood incense
3 candles in orange and red
Candles for any other deities or spirits
Items to be cleansed such as crystals, tarot cards, etc

Light the charcoal in the cauldron or heat proof container so it will be ready for the incense when you are ready to begin. (Make sure it is not accessible to pets or children and is in a safe place away from any flammable material.)

Take a ritual bath or shower with salt and any essential oils that you like.
Begin grounding yourself and letting your mind calm down as you shower or bathe. Use music if you want.

Dress in clean clothes (or go skyclad).

Place sage and sandalwood on the hot charcoal and smudge the area.

Take several deep breaths and take a moment to ground yourself.

Cast a circle and call the Elements to guard you during your ritual.

Invite specific deities or spirit guides into your circle (Do not randomly invite entities into your circle, only well known and trusted entities that you wish to take part in the ritual.)

Call on the Goddess and dedicate this ritual on this Full Moon to her. Light the three orange and red candles in honor of the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone on the Blood Moon.

‘Mother Goddess, from whom all things come and unto whom all things return, I ask that you bless this ritual in this time and space. The Blood Moon that I celebrate tonight is the time of change and preparation for your children and I dedicate this cleansing to you and ask your blessing.’

Add any additional prayers that you wish.

Take the items to be cleansed and hold them in the smoke from the sage and incense. Visualize any negative energy leaving the items and white light and glowing energy soaking into the items. Do the same for yourself.  Visualize negative energy leaving your body and light and glowing energy taking its place.  Take your time doing this, relax and visualize.

Meditate for a while on the meaning of the Blood Moon, the transition from autumn to winter, the cleansing that you have performed and making room for positive energy in your life.

Put out the candles and say thank you to the Goddess and other entities.

Release the circle and thank the Elements for their help and remind them to return to their own realms.

*** It has been pointed out to me (thank you, Pallas Renatus) that the moon will be void of course during the peak of the Full Moon phase.  Normally I wouldn't expect this to affect a Full Moon ritual, but due to the cleansing aspect of this planned ritual, I am going to wait until Saturday evening.  A Full Waning Moon should be wonderful. You can find more information here. ***

for the upcoming full moon...

As I already mentioned, I am feeling bogged down and fighting off negativity.  So I am going to do a cleansing ritual for the Full Moon.
Supplies (always optional)
3 candles in orange and red for the Blood Moon
white sage
other incense, I like sandlewood with sage
and I light candles for the other entities that I invite into sacred space; for me, some specific spirit guides and Bast

I am going to clean my work space, my tarot decks, my crystals and my pendulum.  All items in everyday use that are probably as clogged up as I feel.
more later

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Spirit Day

I'm wearing purple today to support LGBT youth - make your profile pic purple today for Spirit Day at http://glaad.org/spiritday

coming up...

The next full moon is this Friday evening, should be perfect for ritual. 
I am feeling dragged down by the mundane, stifled and restless.  I think a full blown ritual is in order and I will come up with something to share. 
In the meantime, I am teaching my first Tarot class on Saturday... anyone have any advice?

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

I'm back!

My internet connection has been turning off and on for a couple of months.  Since I have work that I HAVE to do on the internet I have been limiting my time online mostly to that.  I have kept up with those of you on Facebook, but that's about it.  Sorry for the long hiatus, I am glad to be posting again in time for Samhain.
Full Moon this weekend. 

More tomorrow!

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin