It's New Year's Eve and I am curled up at home with a cup of steaming tea in my fleeciest pajamas and bunches of candles (and the soon to be dismantled tree) lit. My husband has been ill with a nasty cold over the past several days. I myself have been fighting off a sinus infection which I seem to currently have the upper hand against thanks to the medicine of some herbal friends (elderberry, rose hips, astragalus, echinacea, and ginger root). We had wanted to spend the evening at his sister's, where we usually go for New Year's, but given that his symptoms have not improved much, we decided it would probably be best for us to stay home.
It's been quite cold the last few days...today when I woke up it was 1 degree outside, with a wind chill of -4. Yesterday I had to brave the elements to run some necessary errands. Just before I left, I got a notice that one of the books I had requested from the local library was in...'How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life". So I stopped and picked it up while I was out. Later, after I was home and done with chores, I glanced it over. It looks like a really good read, though I realized as I skimmed the chapters that it very much reflects the lifestyle that I was raised with (minus the bit about engaging in sports). I don't know when my life became so complicated, but I think in 2018 I'm going to really work towards simplifying things so I can focus on what is important and what truly brings me joy.
Anyway, I think I'll leave this with a link to a blog I very much enjoyed and one of my favorite quotes from Neil Gaiman. I'm going to color and drink tea.
Happy Herbal New Year 2018
"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."
Happy New Year to all you fine folks!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Monday, December 18, 2017
This is not going to turn out the way you think...
This weekend was good. Highlights:
Thursday I was off-my husband bought us tickets for a special fan event to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi back to back. So much fun. <3
Saturday after doing a large grocery shopping trip my husband came home from house-sitting for his folks and we went out, stopping at Persad for Pittsburgh Pagan Pride Day's Winter Market fundraiser. Then we stopped at Moonstones (friendly local pagan shop) and then went out to the mall to do some more shopping and grabbed dinner at Red Robin (AYUM).
Sunday morning I dropped by a dear friend's to exchange Yule gifts before heading off to the grocery stores yet again to do my mom's shopping. I got done with my regular chores early there and was able to vacuum downstairs for her and clear the leaves her neighbors kindly let their yard workers blow into her walkway so she doesn't slip on a wet leaf and fall.
Last night I went to Spiritways' (a local CUUPS group-Covenant of UU Pagans) Yule ritual which was lovely. During the ritual we were led on a journey to Frau Holle's well to see if She had a message for us. Of course, that wasn't what happened for me.
I remember walking in knee deep snow, surrounded by evergreen trees also covered with snow. Two big wolves and several tomtens came running over to me and we played in the snow together. I made a snow angel. Then old One-Eye showed up and said, "Hey girl. Frau Holle is leading the Wild Hunt. She ain't here. C'mon." He wrapped his cloak around me and led me to another well...yeah, THAT well. It was cold, and dark, and I was incredibly thirsty. Things get a little fuzzy here. I remember he said something about His eye, and having to be willing to let go of a piece of myself in order to take a drink of the water. Then he started carving runes into my flesh. He made Berkana on one forearm, and Uruz on the other, Perthro on my chest, Isa on my forehead, and Wunjo and Raidho on my feet. I could feel the blood trickling down from them and he laughed. Then I felt something on the back of my neck and sensed my grandfather standing behind me. "He says he is proud of you and thanks you for taking care of his daughter," Odin said. "Oh, and btw, Frau Holle says you need to work on getting your house in order...but you already knew that." He laughed again, and pushed me forward face first into a big snowdrift, and then I was back.
There were lots of Reclaiming Pgh folks at the ritual and we were able to move the energy the way it wanted to move, which felt wonderful and full of joy. It was good to celebrate the return of the light within community. Solstice Blessings to all you fine folks!
Thursday I was off-my husband bought us tickets for a special fan event to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi back to back. So much fun. <3
Saturday after doing a large grocery shopping trip my husband came home from house-sitting for his folks and we went out, stopping at Persad for Pittsburgh Pagan Pride Day's Winter Market fundraiser. Then we stopped at Moonstones (friendly local pagan shop) and then went out to the mall to do some more shopping and grabbed dinner at Red Robin (AYUM).
Sunday morning I dropped by a dear friend's to exchange Yule gifts before heading off to the grocery stores yet again to do my mom's shopping. I got done with my regular chores early there and was able to vacuum downstairs for her and clear the leaves her neighbors kindly let their yard workers blow into her walkway so she doesn't slip on a wet leaf and fall.
Last night I went to Spiritways' (a local CUUPS group-Covenant of UU Pagans) Yule ritual which was lovely. During the ritual we were led on a journey to Frau Holle's well to see if She had a message for us. Of course, that wasn't what happened for me.
I remember walking in knee deep snow, surrounded by evergreen trees also covered with snow. Two big wolves and several tomtens came running over to me and we played in the snow together. I made a snow angel. Then old One-Eye showed up and said, "Hey girl. Frau Holle is leading the Wild Hunt. She ain't here. C'mon." He wrapped his cloak around me and led me to another well...yeah, THAT well. It was cold, and dark, and I was incredibly thirsty. Things get a little fuzzy here. I remember he said something about His eye, and having to be willing to let go of a piece of myself in order to take a drink of the water. Then he started carving runes into my flesh. He made Berkana on one forearm, and Uruz on the other, Perthro on my chest, Isa on my forehead, and Wunjo and Raidho on my feet. I could feel the blood trickling down from them and he laughed. Then I felt something on the back of my neck and sensed my grandfather standing behind me. "He says he is proud of you and thanks you for taking care of his daughter," Odin said. "Oh, and btw, Frau Holle says you need to work on getting your house in order...but you already knew that." He laughed again, and pushed me forward face first into a big snowdrift, and then I was back.
There were lots of Reclaiming Pgh folks at the ritual and we were able to move the energy the way it wanted to move, which felt wonderful and full of joy. It was good to celebrate the return of the light within community. Solstice Blessings to all you fine folks!
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Reposting: Lusse--Midwife of the Sun
We had our first real snowfall yesterday. I am off work today, as the husband bought us tickets for a special event to see The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi later back to back. Comfy seats and everything. I'm pretty excited.
I have been learning about Frau Holle thanks to some knowledgeable folks in some Heathen and Urglaawe groups on Facebook. I can definitely feel the connection with Frigg, not as much with Freyja, but I thought this article was very interesting. Anyway, as my depression continues to improve, I've found energy for doing more household chores, like the dishes. I've been doing them in the morning while the coffee is brewing rather than letting them pile up all week. It's a small thing, but it's a start. This morning I woke up early and came down and did the dishes, got my coffee and came into the living room, lit our tree and then lit some candles, and my home felt very peaceful.
Lusse--Midwife of the Sun
I have been learning about Frau Holle thanks to some knowledgeable folks in some Heathen and Urglaawe groups on Facebook. I can definitely feel the connection with Frigg, not as much with Freyja, but I thought this article was very interesting. Anyway, as my depression continues to improve, I've found energy for doing more household chores, like the dishes. I've been doing them in the morning while the coffee is brewing rather than letting them pile up all week. It's a small thing, but it's a start. This morning I woke up early and came down and did the dishes, got my coffee and came into the living room, lit our tree and then lit some candles, and my home felt very peaceful.
Lusse--Midwife of the Sun
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Lights in the darkness
It's been a week. I'm going to focus on the positives:
1. Around Monday, I noticed that I had more energy and was able to focus and sustain my focus more than I have in the past year. And that seems to be sticking around for the time being. For those of you just joining us, I've been struggling with depression for awhile, and one of the most annoying symptoms I had was extreme difficulty focusing, almost bordering on ADHD-like at times. It made many things difficult, including things I generally enjoy, like reading and watching things on television.
2. Tuesday evening my husband and I went downtown for...KRAMPUSNACHT! We actually followed a Krampus into Market Square. He had glowing red eyes. I said, "Hi Krampus!" We watched the band 'Sleigher' whom my husband summarized as, "Christmas GWAR" (a completely accurate description). They did mostly holiday songs, but to the tunes of famous metal songs (like Deck the Halls done to the tune of War Pigs by Black Sabbath). SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I needed the laughs. In a major league way. Saw some friends. It was so good. I can't wait for next year.
3. Friday evening the husband and I went downtown again, this time for our annual visit to see the Santas of the World and gingerbread houses at PPG and the Old World Market in Market Square. That was so fun. I love our tradition so much, I look forward to it every year. We had dinner after and it was just a lovely evening. I love my husband.
4. Saturday my friend and former work partner was in town so after getting my teeth cleaned I met her for lunch at Spice Island Teahouse in Oakland and then we went to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Great afternoon. I had the thai basil fried rice and this amazing cocktail entitled the Skeleton Key with ginger beer, elderflower liqueur, Agostura's bitters, bourbon. It was so good.
5. This morning I had breakfast with a dear friend and covener, and then discovered an alternate store to do my mom's grocery shopping at that is going to save me both time and frustration, as the store closest to her is a fucking nightmare. So grateful to be in and out in 30 minutes. If I had gone to her store it would have taken me 3x as long.
1. Around Monday, I noticed that I had more energy and was able to focus and sustain my focus more than I have in the past year. And that seems to be sticking around for the time being. For those of you just joining us, I've been struggling with depression for awhile, and one of the most annoying symptoms I had was extreme difficulty focusing, almost bordering on ADHD-like at times. It made many things difficult, including things I generally enjoy, like reading and watching things on television.
2. Tuesday evening my husband and I went downtown for...KRAMPUSNACHT! We actually followed a Krampus into Market Square. He had glowing red eyes. I said, "Hi Krampus!" We watched the band 'Sleigher' whom my husband summarized as, "Christmas GWAR" (a completely accurate description). They did mostly holiday songs, but to the tunes of famous metal songs (like Deck the Halls done to the tune of War Pigs by Black Sabbath). SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I needed the laughs. In a major league way. Saw some friends. It was so good. I can't wait for next year.
3. Friday evening the husband and I went downtown again, this time for our annual visit to see the Santas of the World and gingerbread houses at PPG and the Old World Market in Market Square. That was so fun. I love our tradition so much, I look forward to it every year. We had dinner after and it was just a lovely evening. I love my husband.
4. Saturday my friend and former work partner was in town so after getting my teeth cleaned I met her for lunch at Spice Island Teahouse in Oakland and then we went to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Great afternoon. I had the thai basil fried rice and this amazing cocktail entitled the Skeleton Key with ginger beer, elderflower liqueur, Agostura's bitters, bourbon. It was so good.
5. This morning I had breakfast with a dear friend and covener, and then discovered an alternate store to do my mom's grocery shopping at that is going to save me both time and frustration, as the store closest to her is a fucking nightmare. So grateful to be in and out in 30 minutes. If I had gone to her store it would have taken me 3x as long.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
House blessing
Last night my coven gathered at the newly-rebuilt home of my in-laws. Their home was destroyed by fire in 2015. Shortly after the fire, my father in law asked me if my coven would come and do a house blessing for them when the house was rebuilt. I brought this request to them, and we all unanimously agreed that we would do it.
We decided not to use fire or smoke to cleanse the space, given what happened. One of my coveners brought a blessing oil (she creates amazing, powerful blends) to anoint the rune Algiz over doors and windows. I brought iron nail crosses that we had made to be hung over the outside doors of the house for protection. Another covener brought a blessing water spray which she sprayed in the rooms to cleanse them. Another covener brought their athame and used it to direct energies in the home. Finally, the other two coveners had a singing bell and singing bowl which they used to cleanse the space with sound.
We started in the basement. There was a deep sense of emotional grief that held in the original part of the basement, the oldest part of the original home. I told them that the house had essentially collapsed into that space. One of my coveners spoke and said she felt great sadness of not being able to support the rest of the structure. She laid her hand on the foundation and said, "You did not fail." We raised our voices together in toning to additionally cleanse the space. Later after we were finished, we encouraged my mother in law to try to make use of that space. She explained that she plans to have a workshop space there for her jewelry crafting, and my father in law will also be using it for brewing.
After cleansing and blessing the inside of the house, we went outside and poured salt across the threshold and around the foundation of the house. I brought an oil one of my coveners had made dedicated to the Faery Queen which I offered to the landvaettir. We spent some time at the giant Catalpa tree by the garage that was severely damaged by the fire. We again gathered outside and joined our voices together in toning at the entrance to the house. My in-laws' beagle ran over and joined her voice to ours, which was delightful.
It was a magical, blessed evening of healing. I am so grateful for my amazing coven. <3 Love you, witches!
We decided not to use fire or smoke to cleanse the space, given what happened. One of my coveners brought a blessing oil (she creates amazing, powerful blends) to anoint the rune Algiz over doors and windows. I brought iron nail crosses that we had made to be hung over the outside doors of the house for protection. Another covener brought a blessing water spray which she sprayed in the rooms to cleanse them. Another covener brought their athame and used it to direct energies in the home. Finally, the other two coveners had a singing bell and singing bowl which they used to cleanse the space with sound.
We started in the basement. There was a deep sense of emotional grief that held in the original part of the basement, the oldest part of the original home. I told them that the house had essentially collapsed into that space. One of my coveners spoke and said she felt great sadness of not being able to support the rest of the structure. She laid her hand on the foundation and said, "You did not fail." We raised our voices together in toning to additionally cleanse the space. Later after we were finished, we encouraged my mother in law to try to make use of that space. She explained that she plans to have a workshop space there for her jewelry crafting, and my father in law will also be using it for brewing.
After cleansing and blessing the inside of the house, we went outside and poured salt across the threshold and around the foundation of the house. I brought an oil one of my coveners had made dedicated to the Faery Queen which I offered to the landvaettir. We spent some time at the giant Catalpa tree by the garage that was severely damaged by the fire. We again gathered outside and joined our voices together in toning at the entrance to the house. My in-laws' beagle ran over and joined her voice to ours, which was delightful.
It was a magical, blessed evening of healing. I am so grateful for my amazing coven. <3 Love you, witches!
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Reposting: The Essential Herbal Blog: Rosemary-Herb of Remembrance
"Every herb lover and gardener should have at least one rosemary plant growing in the garden, on the patio, or on the windowsill. It is a lovely and intriguing herb!"
This article includes several recipes!
The Essential Herbal Blog: Rosemary-Herb of Remembrance
This article includes several recipes!
The Essential Herbal Blog: Rosemary-Herb of Remembrance
Reposting: The Terroir of Magic (Blood and Spicebush)
"It is also important for many of us to remember, as we seek to form relationship with the land, that we are living on stolen land, and to become entrenched in the ways of the land is not an invitation to appropriate cultural or religious practices of the indigenous peoples who came before us, and who still dwell with us. This call is an invitation to seek out and meet the spirits, not claim them or command them. It is an invitation to listen and look. To hear and to smell. To taste the land. To feed it. Bioregional witchcraft to me, means living a practice that is informed by the beings you live amongst, both human and non. It is a practice that lives and grows."
Blood and Spicebush: The Terroir of Magic
Blood and Spicebush: The Terroir of Magic
Sunday, October 8, 2017
A weekend of all things magic!
This weekend was busy but blessed!
My Sweet, Fool-ish Self (Tarot of the Wild Unknown)
Friday evening after work and all day Saturday I had the privilege of student teaching the 'Elements of Magic: Thru the Eyes of the Fool' class. This was my first time teaching in Reclaiming, though not my first time teaching or leading a group. The group of folks who attended were AMAZING and could not have more completely embraced the work. I witnessed such willingness, joy, support, and more than a bit of humor. After working through Air, Fire, Water, and Earth, we informed the group that they would be planning and leading a ritual for Spirit using the framework we had introduced them to during the intensive. I was delighted after later returning from a delicious breakfast-dinner at Eat'n'Park with my co-teachers that we were having a blot, a ritual that is very familiar to and loved by me. We then all raised energy together, drumming and dancing and singing a chant they had created together: We are the Witch! We have the tools! We are the Spirit of the Sacred Fool! We did some incredible magic together this weekend and it touched my heart and my soul. Several of the folks who attended the class reached out to me via social media and expressed their gratitude for the experience. I am feeling so grateful for the experience as well. A special thank you (because I know she actually reads my blogs!) to Boneweaver for the opportunity to do this work, and for both challenging and affirming me.
Then today was Pittsburgh Pagan Pride Day. The energy of the festival was good, and I really enjoyed the venue (this year it was in South Park, at the Buffalo Inn and the Home Economics building). I found a gift for my coven's White Elephant Yule exchange this year which I am super jazzed about. I visited the Ancestor altar and lit a candle for my beloved dead. I saw some of my coveners and other Pagan friends new and old. However, the highlight of my day was having the opportunity to hear Byron Ballard speak and getting to meet and talk with her. I bought all 3 of her books which she kindly signed and talked with her about the desire to bring Appalachian folk magic and traditions to the Pittsburgh area. She expressed loving our city and gave me her card and encouraged me to reach out to her. She's also teaching an online class this winter which I plan to look into. She's truly a bad-ass witch, and so funny!
My Sweet, Fool-ish Self (Tarot of the Wild Unknown)
Friday evening after work and all day Saturday I had the privilege of student teaching the 'Elements of Magic: Thru the Eyes of the Fool' class. This was my first time teaching in Reclaiming, though not my first time teaching or leading a group. The group of folks who attended were AMAZING and could not have more completely embraced the work. I witnessed such willingness, joy, support, and more than a bit of humor. After working through Air, Fire, Water, and Earth, we informed the group that they would be planning and leading a ritual for Spirit using the framework we had introduced them to during the intensive. I was delighted after later returning from a delicious breakfast-dinner at Eat'n'Park with my co-teachers that we were having a blot, a ritual that is very familiar to and loved by me. We then all raised energy together, drumming and dancing and singing a chant they had created together: We are the Witch! We have the tools! We are the Spirit of the Sacred Fool! We did some incredible magic together this weekend and it touched my heart and my soul. Several of the folks who attended the class reached out to me via social media and expressed their gratitude for the experience. I am feeling so grateful for the experience as well. A special thank you (because I know she actually reads my blogs!) to Boneweaver for the opportunity to do this work, and for both challenging and affirming me.
Then today was Pittsburgh Pagan Pride Day. The energy of the festival was good, and I really enjoyed the venue (this year it was in South Park, at the Buffalo Inn and the Home Economics building). I found a gift for my coven's White Elephant Yule exchange this year which I am super jazzed about. I visited the Ancestor altar and lit a candle for my beloved dead. I saw some of my coveners and other Pagan friends new and old. However, the highlight of my day was having the opportunity to hear Byron Ballard speak and getting to meet and talk with her. I bought all 3 of her books which she kindly signed and talked with her about the desire to bring Appalachian folk magic and traditions to the Pittsburgh area. She expressed loving our city and gave me her card and encouraged me to reach out to her. She's also teaching an online class this winter which I plan to look into. She's truly a bad-ass witch, and so funny!
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Elements of Magic Reclaiming Core Class! October 6-7, Pittsburgh, PA
I am super excited to announce that I will be assisting with teaching one of the Reclaiming core classes, Elements of Magic! The class will be held in Pittsburgh, PA on October 6-7, 2017. This class is a great way for both newer and more experienced witches to strengthen their connections and work deeply with the elements, as well as an introduction to Reclaiming-style magic and ritual!
For more information, check out the event page at Witchvox: http://www.witchvox.com/vn/vn_detail/dt_ev.html?a=uspa&id=100430
For more information, check out the event page at Witchvox: http://www.witchvox.com/vn/vn_detail/dt_ev.html?a=uspa&id=100430
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