Cold Tranquility Descends

On winter's nights, so calm, so still,
the Goddess starts to sing,
a voice of warmth against the chill,
that touches mortal wing,
a moon lit beacon, over hill
and valley peace She'll bring.

This tranquil spot amid the stone,
the words of Ancient's call,
on moment passed from maid to crone,
where boulders remain tall,
and blighted frost inspires the tone,
embraced within prayer shawl.

My Goddess sits in skies serene,
amid the night's star light,
ponder Her gaze upon the scene,
Her love where hearts unite,
the gift of peace from heaven's Queen,
as souls on Earth delight.

The Familiar

Theoughout history the familiar has been a vital member of various cultures and traditions. In Roman times a familiar kept the family from harm, shamanic cultures have long honoured and respected the spirits of the animal world for wisdon and assistance in ritual and magic. Yet even today most people will immediately conjure up the image of an ugly evil witch and her fearsome cat. This stereotype is straight from the pages of fairy stories and has its basis in the superstition and prejudicial practices of the Dark Ages, it bears little or nor ressemblence to the modern witch's familiar. A witch's familiar can be his or her closest companion, offering moral support, special knowledge, and/or physical healing. Witches may seek a familiar through meditation or divination, but most do not believe that familiars can be summoned, contrary to traditional Western legend regarding witches and black magic.

I see the Familiar as a gift of grace from the Goddess, which offers hope, tranquility, inspiration and confidence to  me as I make my Pagan path. My Goddess called my Familiar back as is her wisdom, maybe it means it's time I walked my path and she believes I can. I sure do not believe she has left me alone, although it felt like it for a few days. Crowe was/is still with me in my heart and I can feel that reassurance.
I will however miss his companionship and devotion but perhaps that too is forever with me.

With thanks to Jeff Green for the following poem:


Once you were Jem adopting feline form
You walked where she could never hope to tred
And heard each word that she had never said
Familiar with magic to perform

Your eyes were deep yet always soft and warm
You rode your mistress like a motor bike
So different you two were yet alike
Familiar with magic to perform

Without her Crowe can Jem outrace the storm
What can she do now she must search alone
For you are now a spirit in the stone
Familiar with magic to perform

Our Lady Greensleeves

Midwinter moon is shining bright
The yuletide log is burning.
The people gather 'round tonight
The Sabbat wheel is turning.

Joy! Mirth! The Sun's rebirth!
Now as of old we greet Thee.
Gladdening is the song we sing
Of praises to the Lady.

'Twas at the feast of bright Beltane
When we all were a-Maying,
Sweet minstrel Queen in Her gown of green
Spring roundelay was playing.

And though now roped in snow
Her wintry garb deceives, for
Bedipped with holly and mistletoe
She is still Our Lady Greensleeves.

So drink ye wassail everyone
Good Pagans all made merry
With wine as red as the reborn Sun,
As red as holly-berry.

Dancing, come join the ring,
As Her Yuletide spell she weaves.
Fair Queen, the evergreen,
Sweet lovely Lady Greensleeves.

Gathering Stones

StoneWall by Andrew Wyeth

Poem: Stone Gatherers by Marie Marshall

From the ancient standing stones to the stones used in construction today man has always made use of the rocks around his location. For as long as I can remember I have found the ancient stones fascinating. From Avebury and Stonehenge to the Inca temples, from castle ruins to Hadrian's wall they all pull me in. I do not know why most of them exist yet they call to me. Where they exist people would gather for whatever reason and we still do. Is it the voice of the Ancient's wisdom that resonates to my Pagan heart or the stones themselves, I know not. I strongly believe if I need to know somehow I will find out and somethings are beyond my understanding for a reason.

Having said that I am an addict of 'Time Team'. So much information to our past lies in what to my eye is just a pebble or scrap of clay. So just how much history is in the Ancient stones, just waiting to be decoded and understood. It will not change the way we use them to worship our Pagan gods.

Meditation





Blessed Be

Samhain 2008

This day is a celebration of the end of the Goddess ruled Summer and marks the arrival of the God ruled Winter. The name Samhain means Summers End.

At one time it was believed that the ghosts of all persons who were destined to die in the coming year could be seen walking through the graveyard at midnight on Samhain. Perhaps this is because it is on this night that the veil between this and the spirit world is weakest. Many of the ghosts were thought to be of an evil nature and so for protection, jack-o-lanterns with hideous candle-lit faces were carved out of pumpkins and carried as lanterns to scare away the malevolent spirits.

Samhain is also the Celtic New Year, the beginning of the cider season, and a solemn rite and festival of the dead. At this time Witches honor deceased loved ones who have journeyed to the Summerland. It is not uncommon for the celebration to include a feast for the dead. For example in Belgium an old custom was to prepare ' Cakes for the Dead ' , small white cakes or cookies. A cake was eaten for each spirit honored with the belief that the more cakes you ate, the more the dead would bless you.

It was also customary to light a fire on the household hearth which would burn continuously until the first day of the following Spring. Huge bonfires were lit on the hilltops at sunset in honor of the old Gods and Goddesses, and to guide the souls of the dead home to their kin.

Samhain is also the time of the year for getting rid of weaknesses. On a piece of parchment write weaknesses or bad habits you would like to loose. Meditate on these weaknesses and how your life will be improved on loosing them. Then burn the parchment paper, preferably in the ritual fire, thank the Lord and Lady, and continue on with your celebration.

Traditional Pagan/Witch foods for this holiday include:


Apples,

Pumpkin Pie,

Hazelnuts,

Cakes for the Dead,

Corn,

Cranberry Muffins and Breads,

Ale,

Cider, and

Herbal Teas

At the family dinner you could set an empty place for those who have departed who were dear to you. In this way you both honor the departed and teach your family about how a real Witch celebrates Samhain. If you are planning on a Samhain Ritual let all participants know they can, and when they can, state aloud the name(s) of loved departed ones they wish to remember. In doing so the departed individual(s) are honored and thanked for the special way they touched the participants life. What could be more beautiful on this night when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest? At the same time the Lord and Lady should be thanked for a bountiful harvest.

Blessed Be.

24 Sept

Keep me strong in spirit
fearless in deed
kindness in my heart.
Help me think before action
defeat the wrath of fear
learn to honour my talents
In your grace act with compassion
use my powers to heal and restore
and face each new day with your love in mind.

As is Thy will, Mote Be