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With Valentines Day coming up, why not create a small LOVE Altar??< br/
If you are looking for love or if you are already in a relationship a LOVE Altar will fill the air with loving thoughts and energy. All you need is a small space in your bedroom, (the place you begin and end your day) a dresser top, bookcase or small table will work perfectly. Add objects that symbolize Love and romance, but be sure to add in pairs: 2 hearts, 2 red candles, ect.
Let your creative side take charge. Use a live plant or flowers -- remember we all want fresh, new energy in our relationships.
Next on a slip of paper list all you wish in a partner, or all the ways you can strengthen an existing relationship. Leave the paper on your altar and meditate a few minutes each day on what is on your list. And, remember: before we can be in a loving, healthy relationship, we must first love ourselves...Blessed Be
Our fascination with Butterfly is timeless and has long spoken to us of magic and transformation.
Butterfly is scientifically known as ‘Lepidoptera’, a Greek word meaning ‘scaly wings’. Butterfly gets its color from its loose powder-like scales. If you were to rub the scales off the wings, they would be transparent, like those of a fly!
The life cycle of Butterfly includes four stages. The first stage begins with the egg being set on the under side of leaves. Those same leaves will later provide food for the second stage (larva) which is the caterpillar. This stage is the main growth and eating stage, with the caterpillar growing so much that it out-grows its skin. The butterfly will repeat each new skin cycle approximately 4-6 times. The next stage, the pupa is the biggest transformation stage, where the caterpillar turns into an adult. The butterfly's pupa is called a chrysalis.
Ancient Lore…
Egyptians carved images of butterflies on tombs, most likely to symbolize the conversion of souls to the ‘Otherworld’.
Poet Robert Frost referred to butterflies as ‘flying flowers’, and artist Norman Rockwell found homes for the butterfly in his paintings. And if you think about it, the tiny insect is so alluring they could have simply been the product of an artist’s imagination. So attracting them to our gardens is like inviting miniature works of art!
My own bond with butterfly is deep and spiritual, and has allowed me an up close and personal peek into butterfly as soul. My Dad was this big rough John Wayne type guy, yet he had a strong premonition that he was dying. He had no medical evidence to support his feeling, but kept trying to prepare the family for his passing. At one point he said to me, ‘Every time you see a butterfly, you will know it is me’. Strange, I thought to myself – dad never struck me as a butterfly lover. Well two weeks later my father died suddenly of a massive heart attack. Since then, every time I needed comforting or counsel a butterfly would appear, at times and in ways that would seem quite weird yet wonderful. Many years later with my mother’s illness, butterfly made its strongest soul connection to me. I was used to waking each morning and immediately phoning the hospital to check on my Mum's condition. This one particular morning, after long hours at the hospital the night before, I got up and walked to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. As the water boiled, I looked out of the window to my fairy garden. What I saw was something from an ethereal world! The whole garden, fence and statuary were covered in huge yellow butterflies. I knew at that moment what I was witnessing was my Dad and all the other family members that had gone before, coming to take my Mum. I looked at the clock for whatever reason: it was 10:24 am. I made a pot of tea and phoned the hospital to inquire about my Mum’s condition and was told to hold on. I knew when I heard the nurse’s voice that my Mum had crossed over. After what felt like an eternity the doctor came on the line to tell me. Indeed she had passed. I asked him what time she died: 10:24 am. I now sport a tiny butterfly tattoo above my left wrist to honor the souls of those in my life that have passed on.
There is a exquisite poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay that whispers that she too had experienced butterfly as soul..
Mariposa
It’s that dreaded planetary aspect... the one that has us running to take cover for we know that the next 21 days will sheer chaos! Mercury in retrograde is responsible for break down in communications, delays, mechanical problems... It effects travel, business and if at anytime you are to experience computer or cell phone problems it is now! It isn’t wise during this period to purchase a new car, a major appliance or to sign contracts. Mercury retrograde is the universal “Murphy’s Law” – anything that can go wrong will. Those familiar with astrology know not to begin new projects at this time. They know to always have a back up plan, to allow time for delays. And watch those words, as arguments are sure to follow with all the mis-communications!
For those of you that is not familiar with Mercury Retrograde. Let me explain.
The word retrograde means-‘moving or tending backwards.’ When a planet is in retrograde it doesn’t really travel backwards, it just appears to be traveling in reverse. Each planet goes through a retrograde period and each brings a different affect and last different lengths of time.
Mercury, named after the wing-footed Roman God of commerce and communication governs the aforementioned aspects of life, rules our thought processes and all forms of contact. Mercury goes retrograde 3- 4 times each year (once every four months) and each retrograde lasts appoximately 21 days. I remember when I first began on the radio. Morning host Steve Possel would complain about equipment breaking down or phone lines failing. Id explain to him that we were ‘in a retrograde’, and for a long time he thought I was crazy, until he saw for himself that during this aspect indeed there would be major malfunctions with the phones and equipment. He noticed too that problems at home with pipes and motors would always accompany the retrograde.
So what can we do when the planets dictate our movements? Well, for one thing, learn what the retrogrades are beneficial for. Then get yourself a lunar calendar to keep track of the coming retrogrades so you will be prepared. Mercury retrograde is useful for finishing up old projects, meditation, edit the book, songs or articles you’ve been writing, house cleaning--that means your emotional house as well! Get rid of all that you don’t need! Clean out your desk or closets, listen to music, paint, and catch up on sleep! Oh, and this year...we only have four Mercury Retrogrades to contend with.
Dec 26 2009- Jan 15 2010
April 18- May 11 ( this retrograde is extremely unpredictable due to the slow movement of the planet)
Aug 20 - Sept 12
DEC 10- DEC 29
Summer is almost over, to that I say a big “HOORAY”! Despite being the most difficult year of my life, with Joe’s illness, I did manage to derive some pleasure from my garden. Of course with all that was and still is going on, there just wasn’t the time to do all we normally do where our gardens are concerned, but I still got to harvest a great crop of tomatoes and basil for the pesto and vinegars, and managed to have some beautiful blooms to brighten the inside.
One of the most rewarding aspects of gardening is seeing the beauty created by one tiny seed and help from the elements of Nature. We can lose ourselves for hours in the simple splendor of Nature and Her gifts. Preserving garden beauty and the pleasure we attain from these gifts leads us to explore ways to extend that pleasure. But before we can recreate garden magic, we must first know how to correctly harvest and dry what we have grown.
In all of Nature there is a ‘season to sow and a season to reap’. With herbs, flavor and fragrance depend on the strength of the essential oil, so you want to be sure these oils are at the maximum at the time of harvest. Some plants peak just as the flower blooms and for others it is prior to the flowering, when the plant can go to seed and be lost. So it is important to check each individual plant for their harvest time.
One important rule to remember is to always finish the cutting process early enough in the season to allow a re-growth of about one foot, prior to the first frost, this will prevent winter killing. (Plants such as thyme and sage will produce two crops after the first year so you will have two harvestings, one in July, the other in September.)
Cut your herbs early in the day after the dew has dried while the sun is out, yet not too strong as this can rob the herb of oils. Cut plants about 2/3 of the way down the stem leaving enough of the plant to yield a second harvest. After you cut lay them out on a clean piece of cloth or tablecloth, then go through each stem carefully to remove decayed or yellow leaves. Shake off any dirt and be sure to keep each group of herbs separate, as once they've dried they'll look different from when they're fresh and you will have trouble recognizing which herb is which. It isn’t necessary to wash of the herbs in water, as long as you shake off any lose dirt, etc. If you choose to rinse them off do so quickly and be sure to pat dry with paper towels.
There are several methods used to dry herbs. The first requires stripping the fresh leaves from the stem and spreading them on a drying screen or laying flat on a piece of cheesecloth. It is important that the air is able to circulate above and below the leaves in order for them to dry. You can place the screen or cloths outdoors in the shade during the day, but make sure to cover with a piece of cheesecloth so the leaves won’t blow away or attract insects, and bring it indoors for the evening before the dew falls. Turn the leaves over once a day for approximately 4-5 days so they dry evenly. It is important to dry herbs quickly and with as little sunlight as possible. Remember, sunlight will rob the herbs of precious oils!
However, the method I prefer when drying herbs is bundling them, tying them, and hanging them upside down (be sure to label!). Place bundles in an attic or other area with little sunlight and good air flow. Lay a sheet below the drying bundles to catch any leaves and seeds that may fall. I love the look of drying bundles of herbs as it transports me back to the Victorian still room, and besides, the scent released from the drying herbs is fantastic! This method takes about 10-14 days. You will know when the herbs are completely dried as they will crackle to the touch. Anything less means that the herbs will mold and the quality will be awful. When they have completely dried you can strip the stems of the leaves or store the stem with leaves attached. Store in clean glass jar with tight fitting lid, or place in clear cellophane bags being careful to label and date each. Do not store dried herbs in paper bags or cardboard as moisture will get in and the oils will be destroyed.
A third, quick method for drying herbs is to fast dip them in boiling salted water to wilt the leaves. Next pat dry and place into a warm oven for 5-10 minutes. When dried, crumble and place in airtight container.
It is always better to store herbs in opaque jars to keep from sunlight. If your spice shelf is out of direct sunlight clear jars or bottles will work fine. Despite the long shelve life of dried herbs the essential oils will begin to evaporate in about three years.
In drying herbs and flowers for crafts such as wreathes and arrangements you can use silica, a sand like substance used to absorb moisture from plants, in the drying process. The use of silica is for craft purposes ONLY, not for those herbs or flowers that will be ingested. Fill a large, covered container with the silica sand and submerge the part of the plant you wish to preserve. Place lid on tightly and wait about two weeks, gently shaking or brushing off the excess silica when you remove the plant. You may reuse the silica many times.
By discovering new ways to extend the garden bounty we can continue to enjoy the magic that the element of Earth offers us...
Harvesting Herbs
Some herbs (or parts of herbs) can be used in their fresh form, others are preferable dried. Here's a guide to which parts can be harvested and used in each form.
It's that time of year again! The trees are budding, the grass is greening and we are longing to get outdoors and experience the phenomenon of Mother Earth, bugs and all!!
Gardening is a form of magic (yes, it is indeed magic) that allows us to experience the powers of Mother Earth close up. As in all works of magic the phases of the Moon and placement of the planets play an extremely important role. Early farmers and agriculturists knew the vital role Moon cycles played in all of nature so they planted and harvested accordingly. They believed each plant was ruled by either the sun, moon, or a planet, and that each planet ruled a certain part of the human body. By linking a plant to a certain function or body part, illness or injury could be treated or prevented. For instance Saturn ruled/rules plants with cooling properties, like roots, so they would be good choices when dealing with a fever. So it was just natural for early farmers to rely on those same planets and astrological signs when planting and harvesting.
In those early days farmers had neither garden almanacs nor clicking on to the internet for fast answers, so they relied on knowledge and expertise passed on to them by their forefathers. This primitive knowledge centered on the gravitational effect of the flow of moisture in the soil and plant life. Many today still follow those primitive practices with remarkable results. For instance, herbs harvested while the Moon is waxing (from New to Full) yield a crop with stronger oil concentration. One important rule is to plant underground plants during the waning Moon (while there is more moisture in the soil) and above ground plants while the Moon is waxing!
To help you plan and plant by the Moon, I have listed Moon cycles and astrological signs along with what is best to plant in each cycle. I have listed herbs, flowers, and vegetables to help you along…
Moon Cycles
First Quarter Moon (waxing) - Plant annuals that are ‘leafy’ or produce seeds outside of the fruit. Examples are asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, celery, and lettuce spinach.
Second Quarter Moon - Plants that produce their seeds inside the fruit or are of the viney type will do better during this phase. Examples are beans, eggplants, peppers, pumpkins, and tomatoes.
Third Quarter Moon - Plant biennials, perennials and bulb and root plants. This is also the best time to plant trees, shrubs, berries, beets, carrots, and grapes.
Fourth Quarter Moon - This is the phase to cultivate and turn the soil, pull weeds and destroy pests.
The Moon in the Houses
Have you ever stood on the shore at night, enchanted by a Full Moon and the path it creates on the dark waters? Maybe you have been awakened from a deep sleep as the Moon pours Her bright light into your window. If so, then you have had a tiny sampling of Moon Magic! The Moon is synonymous with magic, and has captivated, bewitched, and intrigued many since the beginning of time! Unlike the Sun, whose energy is male and permanent, the Moon is pure feminine energy and signifies change and transformation. We bear witness to this transformation each month as the Moon goes through her never ending cycle of phases. This year instead of making resolutions that are almost impossible to keep, try using the energy associated with each phase to bring about your own personal transformation. Listed are the aspects of each phase in the lunar cycle and the name for each Full Moon. I have also listed some interesting Moon facts. I hope you will open yourself to the magic and mystery of the silvery orb that hangs in the night sky.
Phases
(Excerpt from: "A Handbook to Awaken The Magic Within", by Maya Nash, MoonWords Press ©2002)
Animals (when I use the word 'animal' I am including birds, fish and insects), as well as mystical creatures, have played an important role in magic since time began. In Ancient Times, the Gods and Goddesses of many different cultures were often depicted in animal form. In Rome much business was conducted by asking the animals for omens. They relied so much on this that the consultation of an augar, a person who was ‘sighted’ in the ways of nature and animals, was considered a standard business practice of the day. History speaks of witches and their ‘familiar’- usually a cat, thought to be a spirit that had crossed over and returned to this world possessing supernatural powers, that was to be a witches companion. Early man understood that he was simply a small part of the Earth. He knew to respect all things that made up the Earth along with him. Even when it came to killing animals to feed his family and himself, he took only what he could eat and used every part of what he killed. He did not waste or show disrespect for animal spirits but honored and expressed thanks to them for providing him with what was needed. Early man often gave recognition to the animal spirits by imitating that animal. He wore skins, sang, danced and offered prayers to the animals. By doing so man remained linked to the animal spirits and saw them as guides, thus taking the message and lesson each brought and infusing those messages into his own life.
Today many of us know the importance and practice of animal totems. Our totem is a natural object or animal we share an affinity with. This goes beyond a preference in choosing a pet. The recurring appearance of a particular animal could well mean that it is part of your personal totem. When that totem keeps reappearing, it is the Universe’s way of telling you to heed the message and comfort it brings! We all have more than one animal in our totem and each brings its own gift. Sometimes the totem animal shares the same personal traits, other times it possesses a quality we are seeking in ourselves. One thing is certain, these animal totems want and need for us to call upon them! I have felt the power of totems many times in my life, but none as strong as with Butterfly. Butterfly speaks to us of transformation and soul, as evident in the tale of Psyche- the personification of the human soul, who was believed to have incarnated into a butterfly. Ancient Greeks believed that butterflies and other flying insects were departed souls traveling to their next life.
I first felt the power of Butterfly many years ago, when my dad, a seemingly healthy man announced to our family that he would be dead in a matter of a few weeks, and that after his death, each time we saw a butterfly we would know it was him watching over us. Now, keep in mind my dad was this big strong ‘John Wayne’ type of guy, never ill a day in his life, and at that point had no medical evidence he was even ill. However, Dad had always been a bit psychic so I trusted what he said, but I didn’t figure out the connection to Butterfly at first. In fact my dad was so macho I didn’t know he even noticed butterflies. In my eyes, he would have seemed more likely to have an elk in his totem! A few weeks later my Dad died suddenly of a massive heart attack. True to his word, as time went on, whenever I needed comfort a butterfly would appear!
Years later my Mum was gravely ill with cancer and waged a long courageous battle through which she lingered and suffered. Even her doctor shared how there was no medical explanation how she managed to hold on for so long against such odds. One beautiful August morning as I got up to make a pot of tea, I looked outside into my fairy garden.. Hundreds of huge yellow butterflies covered the fence and danced atop the flowers and statuary. It was an amazing sight, and I knew that what I was witnessing was something from an ethereal world. I knew it was my dad along with the souls of family members that had passed, coming to help my Mum cross over. I wasn’t afraid or sad, but was filled with a calm and peace, knowing that soon she would be free from pain. I looked at the clock, its was 10:24 am. When I made my morning call to the hospital to check on her, I was told she had passed. I asked what time she had died. it was 10:24 am!
To this day butterfly appears to let me know my parents are still near to comfort and guide me…and that is why I sport the tiny butterfly tattoo above my left wrist. We can all recognize these totems if we take time to notice their presence and listen to the message they bring. Be it as teacher, guide, or to offer succor, our totem transmits a magic that is there for our acceptance.
Blessed Samhain to you all! I bet you’re wondering what Samhain is, aren’t you?
The word Samhain (pronounced "Sow-een" or "Sah-veen") literally means ’end of summer’ - it is the end of the old year and the beginning of a new year. It is a time to honor the souls of the departed, for it is believed that the veil that separates the living world from the spirit world is the thinnest at this time of year. And, to the general population it is known as "All Hallow's Eve", or Hallowe'en.
How It Began...
The origin of Hallowe'en dates back to the Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts referred to this season as the time of little sun which meant an end to the growing and hunting season. People returned from the fields and hills, so re-establishing family and community ties were very important. And with the winter upon them, it was a last chance to gather and socialize. To commemorate these festivals, huge bonfires were built where people gathered not only to bond, but to burn crops and offer animal sacrifices to the Celtic Gods and Goddess. They believed these ceremonial fires offered protection and good fortune for the New Year.
They thought that as the old year died, the souls of the dead retuned to this world wreaking havoc causing damage to crops and homesteads, as well as searching out living bodies to inhabit. Because the focus was on endings and the thin line between life and death, it was the best time for works of divination to foretell the future.
The people took great comfort in the ritual and merriment that would follow, enjoying feasts and entertainment such as story telling and attempting to read each others fortunes.
It became a well loved event in the Celtic community. During these celebration fires, people dressed in ghoulish costumes because they thought it would keep away any roaming spirits. The also lit reeds from the sacred fire to relight their hearth fires that had been extinguished prior to the ritual because they believed that by doing so it would help protect the home during the long barren winter.
And Then...
It's time to welcome days of fun in the sun—the Summer Solstice has arrived!
As the Sun climbs to its highest point, it reaches its zenith and seems to stand still; this is the moment the solstice occurs. Taken from the Latin word Sol (meaning "Sun") and the word sistere (meaning to "stand still") the Summer Solstice marks the mid-point of the growing season and after this point the days actually grow shorter.
The summer Solstice is strongly connected to Midsummer, an ancient Pagan festival that is still observed today. (The actual date varies between June 21- June 24.) Its origin pre-dates Christianity with Pagan celebrations of Nature and the changing seasons. Recognizing the strength of the Sun and the powerful association to fire, celebrants lit huge bonfires thought to ward off evil spirits than wandered the land, as well as purifying their own negative feelings. They adorned themselves with flower garlands as they sang and danced and welcomed fairy energy because it was believed (and still is) that the veil that separates us from the fairy realm is quite thin at this time of year. This was part of William Shakespeare's inspiration for "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
If your mood requires a bit more of a boost, here is a little ritual than can help. Gather a few calendula or marigolds (or whatever flower you have on hand). You need two slips of paper and a yellow, red or orange candle (colors that symbolize the Sun). Light the candle and focus on all that has been blocking you from achieving your goals. Release them by listing them on a slip of the paper. When you have finished, carefully burn the paper in the candle's flame. Next, list all you wish to manifest in the coming season. When you have finished, wrap in the list a few petals from what ever flower you have on hand—fold and keep in a safe place until harvest time. Watch the flame for a few seconds and focus your energy on the flame, and offer a prayer of thanks to your Higher Power as you snuff out the flame. (Never blow out a candle's flame as it blows the wish away.)
And because June has always been known as the Month of Lovers, here is a lovers charm. You will need a candle and bowl of water. Light the candle and ask Universe to show you what you need to know about your love life. Carefully hold the dripping candle over the bowl of water so that the wax will drip into the bowl. Hold it without consciously forming a pattern. As you do this, repeat this dictum three times: "Candle light, Candle flame, show me what is mine to claim."
Now, snuff out candle and look to see what pattern has formed in bowl. (Hearts are good, and daggers not-so-good.) It was believed that to do this on Midsummer's Eve, those looking for true love would find the initials of their beloved in the water.
As I write this out of the corner of my eye, I see a flicker, a flutter and suspect there is fairy activity in my garden. So, as I leave you to investigate, I wish you all a blessed Midsummer. And remember—magic happens! nyone out of the ordinary was thought to be a witch.
It’s that dreaded planetary aspect... the one that has us running to take cover for we know that the next 21 days will sheer chaos! Mercury in retrograde is responsible for break down in communications, delays, mechanical problems... It effects travel, business and if at anytime you are to experience computer or cell phone problems it is now! It isn’t wise during this period to purchase a new car, a major appliance or to sign contracts. Mercury retrograde is the universal “Murphy’s Law” – anything that can go wrong will. Those familiar with astrology know not to begin new projects at this time. They know to always have a back up plan, to allow time for delays. And watch those words, as arguments are sure to follow with all the mis-communications!
For those of you that is not familiar with Mercury Retrograde. Let me explain.
The word retrograde means-‘moving or tending backwards.’ When a planet is in retrograde it doesn’t really travel backwards, it just appears to be traveling in reverse. Each planet goes through a retrograde period and each brings a different affect and last different lengths of time.
Mercury, named after the wing-footed Roman God of commerce and communication governs the aforementioned aspects of life, rules our thought processes and all forms of contact. Mercury goes retrograde 3- 4 times each year (once every four months) and each retrograde lasts appoximately 21 days. I remember when I first began on the radio. Morning host Steve Possel would complain about equipment breaking down or phone lines failing. Id explain to him that we were ‘in a retrograde’, and for a long time he thought I was crazy, until he saw for himself that during this aspect indeed there would be major malfunctions with the phones and equipment. He noticed too that problems at home with pipes and motors would always accompany the retrograde.
So what can we do when the planets dictate our movements? Well, for one thing, learn what the retrogrades are beneficial for. Then get yourself a lunar calendar to keep track of the coming retrogrades so you will be prepared. Mercury retrograde is useful for finishing up old projects, meditation, edit the book, songs or articles you’ve been writing, house cleaning--that means your emotional house as well! Get rid of all that you don’t need! Clean out your desk or closets, listen to music, paint, and catch up on sleep! Oh, and this year...we only have three Mercury Retrogrades to contend with.
I love this time of year! Not necessarily the summer with its heat and humidity or the long lazy days. Its more the waning days of summer that strike my fancy! Seeing the stores well stocked with back to school items, and the road side farm stands with an abundance of corn, ripe peaches, and thick red tomatoes tells me that soon…very soon the Ren Faire will be here! My family and I die hard “Rennies”! For the benefit of those who are not familiar with the Ren faire, let me explain. The New York Renaissance Faire is an end of summer tradition if you will for many of us. The faire is part theatre, part fair and lots and lots of magic. For seven or eight weekends each year at this time (and Labor Day too) Sterling Forest in Tuxedo Park, NY is transported back to 16th Century England, complete with costumed actors, a shire (village) full of shops and wares that are sure to tempt every lord and lady, and loads of entertainment. For all you newbies this is something you simply have to experience. You Rennies, well you know the magic already but maybe you will want to follow my tips at the end of this writing.(there is a whole language that goes along with faire..a "Rennie" is a fan of or someone that travels all over to ‘do’faire.)
As you will quickly learn as you enter the main gates, the Ren Faire is nothing like anything you have ever seen or heard. Employees of faire must, I repeat must, speak at all times in the thick English accent of the era… and by the time you are ready to leave Faire you will be speaking the same way and asking questions like “how stands the hour” and “where are the privies (restrooms) please”, (note, the first few times you attend, you will bring the accent home with you and it will not disappear till sometime Tuesday morning!) There are lots of things to do besides gaze at the amazing costumes (some of which don't leave a whole lot to the imagination! But don't worry, they keep the place family friendly over there). There are jousts on horseback, mud shows, knife throwing, birds of prey, turtle races, Shakespeare, a human chess match, strolling minstrels and so much more (and don’t forget the shopping!). Faire food is not like other fair food. Soup in a bread bowl and the ever famous turkey legs are faire favorites along with burgers, baked potatoes, fruit platters, and to wash it down try the Mead!
For many years my hubby, 2 young children and I all worked at faire. Despite me complaining each morning as I dressed in the extremely hot heavy costume, thinking of the long hours in the heat, the long lines at the food court and the less than sparkling clean privies (and while they've improved in recent years, I'm being kind with that description), there is something so magical about the Ren Faire. The sights, the sounds, the scents.. oh and of course the shopping. Sterling Forest is an enchanted area anyway, and fair-goers all seem to be kindred spirits - happy and friendly, even as you wait on those long lines no one is complaining.
My intent for this writing is to give you a few tips on doing the “Ren Faire”.
Summer time is here again and realized, this year, that despite always claiming that it is not my favorite time of year, it sort of is!( Well, if you leave the humidity out of it.)
Summer allows me a favorite past time- working in the garden and writing about it as well. Many people tease me about playtime in the dirt. One day the mail lady while delivering our mail saw me planting and commented on how she bet ‘not a lot of people got to see “ me “that way“. So the long fingernails take a break as the yard fills with flowers, herbs and the potency of nature..
Tending the soil is such a relaxing and productive way to relieve the stress of our everyday life. Working with the elements is a way of honoring our higher power, and watching the beauty unfold is an added bonus!
If you don't have a yard, try filling a deck or porch with potted plants, or grow a few on a window sill. Living plants bring the very best Ch’I, and really does lift our spirits.
I always try to add something new and unique and magical of course, and this year am bringing back something that we used to enjoy immensely when my children were young. It is an Enchanted Floral Curtain that is an interesting addition to any garden but offers a bit of privacy as well.
You can create a living’ curtain’ that will bloom both day and night! All you will need ( its June right now and not too late) is a package of Morning Glory(I tuberosa) seeds a package of Moonflower ( I pomoea alba) seeds two wooden dowels ( approx. 4 feet high)- and some string. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24-48 hours for faster germination. Don't forget to label each set of seeds so you know which is which. Place in small peat pots so you can plant directly into the soil. They like moist to dry soil, so take care not to over water. Again take care to label each set of seeds.
Construct the ‘curtain’ frame using the dowels. Secure them into the soil about 3- 4 feet apart ( The height and spacing will depend on how large a curtain you desire) Next tie the string from dowel to dowel- do this about every 12 inches or so, then top to bottom using an over and under weave.
When seeds are ready to be planted, alternate Morning Glory seeds and Moonflower seeds. As plants begin to shoot up train shoots around string and they will begin to climb in about two weeks. Water every 3-4 days or if soil appears dry. Your Floral curtain will last until the first frost. You may also use a trellis which is what I am doing this time around and cant wait till it is all in bloom. Nothing is quite as lovely or exquisite as a Moonflower, and they will attract night moths and insects that are beneficial to all types of garden. So, relax and enjoy and check back in August for some Feng Shui tips…..
Hearts …and candy… and flowers, oh my, the most exciting day of the year for lovers young and old is upon us. And in reality it all did begin with the birds ‘n’ bees. As legend tells us Feb 14 is the date birds choose their mates for the coming year.
Ancient Roman’s first celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia on Feb. 14 to honor Juno, Goddess of women, marriage and queen of the Roman gods/ goddesses.
Another story credits an early Christian priest named Valentine, and was he ever the starry-eyed romantic.
One story says that Emperor Claudius II forbade young men to marry because he believed unmarried men made better, stronger soldiers. But, Valentine, so believed in the magic of love that he secretly married young couples.
Many legends say that Valentine was executed on February 14 about 269 A.D. After his death, he was named a saint. It was England's King Henry VII who, in 1537, officially declared Feb.14 the holiday of St. Valentine's Day.
Ever wonder where the expression” Wear your heart on your sleeve came from?In the middle Ages, young men and women placed their names in a bowl and later pulled a name- in lottery style- to see who would be their Valentine. They pinned the name on their sleeves for one week for everyone to see.
A familiar symbol of Valentine’s Day is Cupid the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, armed with his bow and arrow in order to pierce a couple’s hearts to open them to love and romance. In ancient Greece, Cupid was known as Eros, the young son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
Over the centuries, like most every other holiday’s, Valentine’s Day evolved, and by the 18th century, exchanging hand-made cards and gifts had become popular in England. Those early Victorian cards were truly works of art! Hand-made of lace, ribbons, and featuring cupids and hearts eventually spread to the American colonies. The tradition of Valentine's cards became common in the United States, during the 1850s, when Esther A. Howland, a Mount Holyoke graduate and native of Worcester, Mass., began mass-producing them.
It’s difficult to think of Valentine’s Day without the sweet thought of chocolate long associated with love. Did you know that chocolate contains the substance, phenyl ethylamine, which is the very same chemical produced by the brain when we are in love? We as human love feeling love, so it’s no wonder that we often turn to chocolate when we want to boost the feeling or when we are not feeling love from a person! Chocolate is also credited for giving famous lover Casanova his…eh, powers.
Scent plays a huge role in the power of attraction, and seduction. The scent of Roses put women in a playful, flirtatious mood. So, guys get out there and buy her Roses. Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine has the same affect. Men on the other hand are attracted to the scent of cinnamon, vanilla and musk.
The history of giving your loved one Valentine's Day flowers comes from the Victorian custom of sending floral bouquets, called Tussie Muzzies, in order to communicate non-verbal messages. Introduced in the 18th century by Charles II of Sweden, each flower had a specific meaning attached to it, making it possible to have an entire conversation using only flowers. The official flower of Valentine’s Day is, of course the red Rose- flower of Venus. Red symbolizes love and passion. Carnation is joy or fascination, Lily of the Valley-happiness, daisies, violets- to promote a lusty environment.
So how did the heart’ shape’ Valentine’s Day? During the 12th century, physicians believed that the heart was the base of love and affection in the human body. Obviously we know, an actual biological human heart does not resemble the heart as we see it today. But ,early on an artist sort of doodled the image of the Valentine heart-shape as we know it to represent the human female buttocks or a female torso with well-endowed breasts or the imprint of lips (wearing lipstick) made upon a piece of paper. That silly doodle with its lusty beginning sure had impact and staying power, wouldn’t you agree?
So, how do Pagans celebrate Valentine’s Day….much the same as anyone else, but we may choose to Honor a Goddess, for instance- Venus, or Aphrodite. Use Roses and red candles on your altar…burn rose or jasmine incense. Write a note to the Goddess thanking her for the love that surrounds you. Ask that you be filled with energy, and ability to spread love throughout Universe. You can also write a note to your beloved. Another idea for celebrating Valentine’s Day is to host a Valentines Tea party, a tradition of mine for many years. Rose hip or Jasmine tea is good choices…and lots of tiny heart shaped tea sandwiches and cookies, and of course some chocolates.
Many a love spell and potion began in the kitchen. In Ancient times the practice of eating 20 almonds, or pine nuts combined with honey, prior to retiring for the night would insure a night of, well, 50 Shades of love making. Oysters, because they are high in Zinc, have long been thought of as an aphrodisiac. Root vegetables such as carrots have found their way in many a love potion as has ginger, chiles and basil. No matter what your menu for Valentines or every other day of the year, the most important ingredient is LOVE.
Just as all holidays can be a sad or forlorn time, Valentine’s Day can magnify the feeling of loneliness. If you find yourself in that position, it is important to remember it’s just a day, but make the best of it by pampering and treating yourself good. Send yourself a card, yes Im serious. Tell yourself how awesome you are. Buy yourself flowers and perfume, get a massage or manny and peddy, or gentlemen-a hot shave. Make plans to be with friends or rent a few movies. If you know someone that is struggling with loneliness, send them a card or note…maybe buy them a small token. Random acts of kindness. Before you know it we will be on to the next holiday…)
Sleep doesn’t come easy for me, and if you are like me, you are up and down several times during the night. Have a habit of looking out of the bedroom window, no lights on…just looking out to the magic of the silent obscurities of night. Depending on the Moons cycle and brightness of the night sky, shadowy silhouettes are clearly visible as they come out to play. Very often there will be a family of deer snooping around, a raccoon or two, always a procession of fireflies to help with the lighting and magic. So last night watching from the window, out of nowhere a butterfly appeared. Odd to see at that hour of the night. No sooner did I finish the thought, it flew right to my window as if to say hello. I knew it meant something—as butterfly is a strong totem for me. Messaged received and I smiled and thanked the powers that be as I crawled back to bed, to sleep through the night.
Universe is bursting with messages for all if you know where…and how to look. The Native American people strongly believed in the power of the animal totem and that each person is connected to nine different spirit beings that travel life with them as guides. It is more than choosing a pet, but more the spirit guide chooses you, on both a spiritual and physical level. You may wonder why you are drawn to specific animals, birds or insects, or why they seem to appear at a precise time in your life, not only as a midnight visitor.
Most of you have either had an encounter with a totem, or at least a message delivered by a spirit guide. Birds are notable messengers. Cardinals are believed to be deceased loved ones paying a visit. Hawk appears to tell us to trust our intuition, and that victory is upon us, it shows up sometimes to let us know we are protected. Owl brings a message of wisdom, intuition, insight, mystery, it can also warn of deception. And crows, well don’t be mean to them as the can recognize a human face. Poor Crow gets a bad rap because it is associated with bad omens, and death. But Crow is highly intelligent, adaptable and a bit of a trickster, so perhaps he shows up at times we need to channel those traits.
Insects as well are spirit guides…Butterfly is said to be the soul of the departed but also appears to tell us to think transformation, balance, and that we each have the ability to accept change .Lady bugs foretell of good fortune. Dragon fly appears when a mystery is about to be solved. Deer offer compassion, Turkey speaks to us of abundance. Don’t let that little mouse scare you, it may simply be showing up to remind you to be more organized.
This is just a small sampling and if you are interested in learning more there many great books on the subject with Animal Speak –by Ted Andrews being one of my favorites. It is helpful and interesting to keep a journal as you begin to work with these ‘power spirits’. Document when and how they appear, what circumstances occur surrounding the visits, time frames and more important- the energy they convey to you.You will soon be on familiar terms with your guides and welcome their lessons.
It is comforting to know Universe communicates in such primal yet simple ways, that when we step away from our obsession with the technical world and out into Nature we open to intense magic. We learn to trust in a power higher than ourselves, and how exquisite significances can be found in the most unlikely ways.
Be it hot pot or a tall frosty glass on a warm summer’s day, Tea has a unique way of satisfying both the body, and the spirit. Think it’s safe to say, I’ve opened my friends to the world of tea-must be the British in my blood. For many years I have hosted an annual tea party complete with scones, tiny crust less sandwiches and pots of tea served in pretty china cups. A different theme each year like the Mad Hatters tea, Wizard of Oz tea, or Valentines Tea, the girls are always excited to see what surprises the evening will hold and perfect way to get together and catch up. A few of us have ‘branched’ out, visiting Tea rooms and establishments that hold high teas, traveling the tri-state area and as far as Massachusetts on our quest for perfection, and some time away from our busy schedules. .At times my granddaughters, Kayla and Olivia, join us, which makes me happy because not only do we get to spend time together, but they are learning about their heritage and how their ancestors have passed along a tradition. We rarely visit just once, we like to experience each at different seasons, not only for the décor and seasonal menus, but to see if they are as good as we remember. It’s not often we are disappointed, but it has happened. We are all on over load...working mothers and caregivers with full schedules, so when we can carve some free time it has to be more than grabbing a quick cup of coffee, which seems so impersonal. At tea you feel pampered and relaxed. It gives us a chance to vent and share and laugh and recharge our batteries and connect. A little TLC does a body good. My friends Donna and Janine and I are notorious for quietly rating each experience. For me the biggest mistake an establishment can make is not serving loose tea. It distracts from the whole ambience to see a tea tag hanging from a pot. This isn’t to say we have had a great tea time where tea bags have been used, but personally don’t understand why they don’t go the extra step to authenticity. Our favorite places deserve a mention... High SocieTea House in Wayne NJ checks all the boxes for an impeccable tea experience. You enter into a small yet charming boutique of tea paraphernalia , gift shop items and cards and of course teas. You will then be seated in a cozy separate room with elegantly set tables with lovely china pieces, linen tablecloths and napkins. The wait staff are friendly and knowledge and happy to share their tea-expertise. Prior to taking your order they will not only explain the featured tea of the day but pass around a small glass dish of its leaves for you to see and smell. When your pot of tea arrives at your table, your server will pour into a strainer that rests on your cup .You are truly treated as if you are an important guest in their home. The food is great, the scones fresh and warm and they offer a gluten free menu. Even the flower and fruit garnish on each plate lets you know they care to give you full treatment. You can sit and nosh and chat without feeling you are being rushed out. If you are in need of some “sisterhood” time...or want to treat yourself to a special Valentine’s Day...try a tea experience. it will do wonders for your spirit.
Have you ever heard anyone say they have A crystal? Once you uncover the magic, you will discover crystal/stones can be quite addicting. We are sometimes drawn to a stone for reasons that become obvious down the road. We may pick a stone to help us relax and ground energy. We may purchase a stone for a friend going through a difficult period. Some of us have cases of stones, some to use, others to grace our living space with their divine benevolences.
The beauty and energy of crystals, gems and stones have not only fascinated wo/man...but have been used in healing and magical purposes since as far back as the 4 th.millinum BC and over the past two decades they are having a huge impact on modern wo/man. Many carry a stone for the magic attached, and believe me there is a stone for every intent and goal. Stones are collected for their exquisite beauty .Others incorporate stones in magic adorn and infuse the home with certain energy and others use them for healing. It must be correctly noted healing crystals are not a medical treatment or to be used in place of traditional medical care or diagnosis... They will not make an illness disappear, but for those who believe in them, they will improve your frame of mind and lift your spirits and that can lead to removing blocks of negative energy and opening to healing Scientists may not tout stones as healers but even the medical profession would agree, if they help you mentally or emotionally feel stronger, that’s a good thing.
How you chose to use your stones is a personal thing, but getting the most energy is important no matter what the intention. Using a crystal grid when working stone magic is a plus.
Crystal grids can be more powerful than using just a single crystal for an intended goal. Crystal grids are made by the intentional placement of stones or crystals in a geometric pattern for the specific purpose of directing your energy towards a goal. The stones or crystals are then charged by your intention and energy.
CREATING YOUR CRYSTAL GRID:
Decide on your purpose for the grid. Your clear intention is a key element in empowering the stones' energy. Your intention is what you will use to charge the crystals.
Write your intention on a piece of paper (or on the back of a photo that depicts your goal).
Find a safe location to create your grid where it will not be disturbed. Cleanse this space. Some cleansing methods include burning sage, placing a crystal cluster in the room, or bowls of sea salt. Flowers, incense, music, candles can be used to add ambiance to your sacred space.
Relax and center yourself. Visualize your goal having already been achieved with a calm mind and positive intention.
Place your crystal layout in a geometric pattern.
Charge the Master Crystal and place it on the layout. Use smudge stick to trace over pattern of your grid. Thanking each stone for its power and assistance
Thank Universe and offer a prayer of gratitude.
(Grid Cloths are availbe for sale at MIND OVER MATTER)
Maya Nash @ maya@mayanash.com
Mind Over Matter
85 So broadway,
nyack ny 10960
845.300.1967
