MAGIAL AFFIRMATION MONDAY

 Merry Meet, everyone!

Today is Cyber Monday. Did you check out the Etsy links I left on Friday and prepared a shopping list?

Blessed Be

~ Rain

STOCKING THE WITCHY CABINET

 Merry Meet, everyone!

Today is Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday approaches. With that in mind, I wanted to share some links to shops I've been happy with as well as offer a gentle reminder that while this whole weekend has become VERY commercialized, this is the perfect opportunity to shop for 'crafty' folks in your life as well as pick up a little self-love gift for yourself. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

This is also the perfect time to take stock of what's in your cabinet? Do you have enough of everything you might need should the need arise? Dried herbs? Essential Oils? Crystals? Special Tools?

Here are a few shops for you to check out:

SUPPLIES

JacysApothocary - wide variety of supplies

Planners/ Grimoires/ BOS/ Tarot & stickers of all kinds

CraftyPlanning Shop - Wide variety of planner stickers

Morgana Magic Shop - She also carries a wide variety of Grimoir printables

The Wholesome Witch - printables of all kinds

pixelandfarm - planner stickers

Emmabeebee Art - planner stickers (most are black and white so you can color them in)

The Almost Witch - planner / tarot/ grimoire/ bos sheets

RipeAvocadoWitch - book pages

MyLifePlans - The coolest Tarot Journal I've seen

NellyAnnPrintables - Beautiful planner pages

JEWELRY & CHARMS

The Charmed Hare - I've ordered from her. 

CharmsAndCords - 

HOME DECOR

JNPCo - Printable wall art

Remember to guard your privacy and check your bank/ credit card statements regularly.

Blessed Be

~ Rain

MAGICAL MONDAY AFFIRMATION

Merry Meet, everyone!

Did you gather power from the Full Moon? I love when they fall on a weekend. I can really step into the magic and absorb all there is to offer. 

Blessed Be

~ Rain

PHOTO FRIDAY - Full Moon - Lunar Eclispe - Mourning Moon

 Merry Meet everyone!

Courtesy of Pixabay

This is our Mourning Moon and a Lunar Eclips. The eclipse should take place around 3:57 a.m. EST

You can see a map of viewing parameters HERE Enter your location and you'll get a pinpoint on the map. just pair up your location with the color bar on the right. I should have full visability. My challenge will be in either staying awake or being awake at that time. Maybe it's a camp out in the lawn chair kind of night.

I also found some lead-ins for how to honor the Mourning Moon HERE. Through a slide-show you're given four main points:

1 - Consider how you mourn

2 - Brave the Cold. 

3 - Cleanse

4 - Send a Message

All great steps in honoring any full moon, however the point about considering how you mourn and allow yourself a good cleansing cry is a superb idea.

Cry them out, write them out then burn them out are stellar ways to get rid of the excess baggage and words unsaid. 

Letting Go allows for more positive energy to come in.

Blessed Be

~Rain

MAGICAL AFFIRMATION MONDAY

 Merry Meet, everyone!

We are half way through the month of November. The Full Moon is only four days away. What are your plans?

Blessed Be

~Rain

PHOTO FRIDAY - National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day

 Merry Meet, everyone!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Today is National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day.

I researched to see if there were any of their books that would applly to our community. Sadly, there is not. As a writer, it has me thinking. I'll keep you posted. Maybe we need a book by us, for us. 

In the mean time, brew up a big pot of chicken broth. Add your special touches and let the food nourish your soul, and those you share the meal with.

Blessings

~ Rain

MAGICAL AFFIRMATION MONDAY

 Merry Meet, everyone!

I apologize for no Monday post last week. I'm trying to get into a groove where I don't miss anyone. I'm good for the rest of November, so far. ;-)

Blessed Be

~ Rain

PHOTO FRIDAY - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!

 Merry Meet, everyone!

I know there is controversy surrounding Daylight Savings Time, proving you can't please everyone all of the time.

Courtesy of Pixabay

As a witch (and as a NanoWriMo participant) I look forward to Daylight Savings Time in the autumn. I gain an extra hour to write and to feel the blessings of my ancestors as they encourage me to reach for my dreams. 

Have you thought about what you would do if you could turn back time? Cher offers some suggestions in this official video classic:

What will you do with an extra hour?

Blessed Be

~ Rain

MAGICAL AFFIRMATION MONDAY

 Merry Meet, everyone!

We had a big storm blow through about 9 last night. Not bright enough outside yet to assess what is still standing but was full of power and great to fall asleep to.

Today's Magical Affirmation:

Blessed Be

~Rain

MAGICAL AFFIRMATION MONDAY

Merry Meet, everyone!

For the next twenty-four Monday's I'll be sharing Positive Affirmations from a collection called 'Make Today Magical'

I also will not be putting a greeting prior to the affirmation... just the quote. I hope you find them helpful on your journey. 

Blessings

~Rain 

SHARING THURSDAY - The White Witch Parlor

 Merry Meet, everyone!

This week, I'm sharing another YouTuber with you. I promise, I do go elsewhere but I love the visual and hearing someone actualy speak. 

This week, I wanted to share  The White Witch Parlor because she is speaking about something near and dear to me - familiars.

By now, most of you know that cats are my thing but any animal that comes to me for whatever reason gets the love and attention. I have a story to share with you in a moment, but first...  The White Witch Parlor - Jenna Caprice

I've watched many of Jenna's videos but this one from 2020 came up in my feed Tuesday morning and knew the timing was right:

A few days ago while visiting local downtown shops a sweet little yellow tiger kitten about 6-9 months old came running across the parking lot, just a crying... probably something to the words of 'hey lady!'

When she got to me and did the usual cat figure-8 around my legs, I scooped her up and cuddled her. She instantly wrapped her front paws around my wrist and licked my nose - "oh, thank you". Then she started gnawing on my fingers til she got to the middle finger - the finger she began sucking on til she was down to the first knuckle. I was so afraid she was going to choke. I had to put her down so I walked back into the parking lot a ways... hopeful she wouldn't follow. As much as I'd loved to have brought her home, I'm learning they come into my life for a reason - and not always to be adopted - darn it! Bob and I are in agreement I'm one cat short of the crazy cat lady.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Well, she followed but I got back into my truck. After making sure she wasn't under foot, I backed out of the space and watched her cross the street to the Neighborhood Art store. The front door there and the adjoining health food store were both open. She walked inside. 

My good deed for the day was to go to the grocery store and buy some cat food and take it back to the Neighborhood Art store where she seemed to have found a home. I know the owner. Emily is a cat lover (her boyfriend, not so much LOL) 

As a side note, it appeared as if she had just wandered too far from home. She was very clean and was sporting a brand new purple flea collar

Bob was impressed (and probably surprised) she didn't come home with me. 

Do you have a familiar? I'd love to hear.

Blessings

~Rain

WELCOME AUTUMN!

Today marks the beginning of my favorite turn of the wheel. The time when days are 'warm', nights are cool and the trees change their wardrobe to glorious colors.

I've been thinking about this turn for several days, determined to be 'on time' rather than feeling as if I've missed a step somewhere. We have rain but in between bouts I hope to walk a bit, smell the clean shower that has cleansed everything. The altar is getting a makeover with ceramic leaf-shaped candle holders (I believe they're actually salt dishes) that I bought but never seem to pull from the cabinet.

After I post this, I'm going to mix up a whole grain bread to use for cinnamon/apple rolls later. For dinner, an egg roll inspired dish of browned ground pork, shredded cabbage/ carrots/ onions lightly seasoned with Chinese Five Spice - a mixture of Fennel, Star Anise, Cloves, Cinnamon, Ginger. I love egg rolls and thought the harvested vegetables (okay, they came from the store this year) and ground pork would be lovely omage to the season. 

Why did I choose pork?

Blue Ridge Mountains - VA

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Almost 40 years ago, my older sister took me to meet relatives in the High hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of VA. The first thing I saw when we pulled into the yard next to a rustic cabin were two hogs hanging from a tree. Three of my distant cousins were in butchering process. I'd never seen anything like it. So, I guess the pork is paying respects to my mountain roots.

How are you celebrating this turn of the Wheel? Share your thoughts below. I love to learn from others.

Blessings

~Rain

 

SHARING THURSDAY - MintFaery

 Good morning, everyone!

Saturday mornings are my relaxed mornings. I don't wake up uber early if I can help it. I also usually take my coffee and Belvita cookies to the sofa with the laptop until the LT battery needs charged. This is my YouTube time.

Last saturday, the video I'm sharing today popped up in my feed. I've followed MintFaery for a couple of years. She's fun and practical. Just watching her will bring a smile.

This time (from 2019) she was talking about an altar option with a mermaid/ healing vibe with items she picked up at the Dollar Tree. 

She inspired me to look at items more from a magical purpose/ intent rather than just seasonal. I hope you enjoy her video and subscribe.

Blessings

~Rain

SHARING THURSDAY - Witchy Lucia

 Good morning & Merry Meet my friends

I didn't realize I hadn't scheduled the blog posts for this week so will be remedying that today.

In the mean time, I came across Witchy Lucia's channel on youtube this morning.. this particular video was in my recommendations.  If you are into junk journaling, you may find a new technique or two. I know I did.  I hope you enjoy and subscribe

Blessings

~ Rain

PHOTO FRIDAY - Lughnasadh

 Merry Meet, friends.

Today finds us a couple of days before Lughnasadh or Lammas. 

courtesy of Pixabay

We celebrate the first harvest. Give thanks to the corn/ wheat (or the ingredients), ask that the breads you make be blessed.

I want to try my hand at a rough sourdough as well as a brown bread.  If I do, I'll come back and show you the results. I think the rough sourdough would be perfect dipped into Tomato Basil soup made with ingredients from my garden.  Maybe a glass of Mead to go with. hmmmm 

How will you celebrate this turn of the wheel? Need some inspiration? Check out the article, by Patti Wigington from Learn Religions   (Wigington, Patti. "Lammas History: Welcoming the Harvest." Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/history-of-the-lammas-harvest-celebration-2562170.)

Blessings

~Rain

SHARING THURSDAY - Anusha Wijeyakumar MA

 Merry Meet, friends

I'm shining light on Llewellyn author, Anusha Wijeyakumar. Anusha will be on the FB space - Interview on the Art of Healing with Kac Young. 

Anusha Wijeyakumar is a wellness consultant at leading hospitals and institutes in California. She is the author of Meditation with Intention - Quick and Easy Ways to Creating Lasting Peace

You can learm more about her by visiting her WEBSITE.

Blessings

~Rain

PHOTO FRIDAY - Blessing Moon

 Merry Meet, friends.

Are you ready for tonight? A beautiful Full Moon - also known as the Blessing Moon - will shine bright tonight.

I always seem to be aware of the Full Moon. I'm teaching myself to be as aware of the other phases and their contribution to magick. 

Here's a piece about the July Full Moon  

I also enjoyed this article at Spirit de lalune

Blessings

~Rain

SHARING THURSDAY - Clare R. Johnson

 Merry Meet, friends.

Do you 'lucid dream'? I'm not sure if I do or not, so I'm anxious to hear the podcast from today's light...

Clare R. Johnson PhD

Clare is considered an expert on lucid dreaming. She'll be speaking via Virtual Event from the East West Bookshop in Seattle Washington on Saturday July 24th. 

She is also the author of 'Transforming Nightmares'.

You will find out more about Clare R. Johnson by visiting her WEBSITE

PHOTO FRIDAY - The Birch Tree

 Merry Meet, friends

You already know I live in Birch Tree, MO. We have a lot of birch trees on our property.

The following photo is from Pixabay:

Courtesy of Pixabay

Birch is good for fertility and birth magic. If you have access to Birch, or any other tree, check for downed limbs following a storm and add a bit of them to your magical cabinet.

Blessings

~Rain

SHARING THURSDAY - Storm Faerywolf

Merry Meet, friends.

If you listen to podcasts I think you'll enjoy this week's light. 

Storm Faerywolf

Storm Faerywolf will be guesting on the Desperate House Witch podcast on Saturday July 17th. He will be talking about his upcoming book, The Witch's Name

You can find out more about Storm Faerywolf by visiting his WEBSITE

Blessings

~Rain

PHOTO FRIDAY - New Moon

Merry Meet, friends.

Welcome to the New Moon. 

Many of you may not know that I am a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. Hobby dem mostly, meaning I can sell to other people, I can recruit and treat it as a business but I signed up mostly to get product. I've had dems over the years but would never get word of new products coming out, special sales, etc. I was blown away by what I was never privy to as a customer (that I should have been). Forget about getting a catalog when new ones came out, or seasonal flyers (that I never knew were a thing!) Becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator was an education. 

After signing my contract, they gave me a demonstrator ID number... the three middle digits are 666. LOL That should have been a clue that while I needed to be cautious and focused, I was on the right track.  I just celebrated my 5 year anniversary. I have one dem under me. She's super talented and doesn't need me as a coach. Thankfully, she is also my sister-in-law so she knows I'm here if she needs me. 

I'd contemplated quiting recently until people started asking if I sold Stampin' Up!  The answer is YES... and I'm going to stay as a dem at least for awhile. 

Okay... Photo Friday...

Imagine my delight when this Utah company gave us a moon phases stamp set in our new catalog!!!

I was, for lack of a better term, over the moon.  LOL Here's a picture of the stamp set:

TO THE MOON 

PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET

My order should be here later in the week or early next and I can't wait to add this to my witchy journal bag.  If you are interested in this set and do not have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator you work with, my name is Kelly Henkins - Birch Tree, MO  I'd love to help you.

Enjoy the New Moon

Blessings

~Rain

SHARING THURSDAY - Julie Lusk

 Merry Meet, friends

Today I'm starting a new series where for Sharing Thursday I will spotlight a Llewellyn author. I am going to try and bring them up a few days before they are to be speaking somewhere if possible so that you might have the opportunity to visit them in person.

This week, we are shining the empowering light on Julie Lusk.

You can find out more about Julie by visiting her WEBSITE

Julie will be at Enchanted Moments in Milford Ohio on Sautrday July 10th at 1 p.m. 

Blessings

~Rain

MEDITATION MONDAY - Affirmation

 Merry Meet, everyone!

I hope you made the opportunity to attend LlewellynCon2021. I tried, but my internet connection (and sometimes theirs) just weren't playing nice. Thankfully, you'll find them all on a YouTube Playlist HERE I'll be listening later this week once I have work caught up.

I am not going to apologize if some of these become duplicate posts. If they show up again, then we must need the reminder. In the mean time, I'm trying to pull cards out of the way so we might finish this pack then move on to something else.

Blessings

~Rain

FRIDAY PHOTO - The color ROSE

Merry Meet, friends.

Today is represented by the color ROSE. In searching for a photo for today, I found this beautiful floral rose in the color of the day.

Courtesy of Manfred Richter

A further search for color magick brought, me of all places, to allure beauty in an article entitled:

Color Magic: A Beginner's Guide to Harnessing the Power of Every Color

By Sophia St. Thomas

Rose falls into the pink category. As with Red, pink represents love but is more about Self-Care. Take time for your self, nurture your spirit, do something you enjoy, treat yourself to a mani-pedi or something you've been wanting. 

Blessed Be

~Rain

SHARING THURSDAY - Witchy Playlist

 Merry Meet, everyone!

Earlier this week, during my usual morning routine on YouTube, I came across this playlsit. by Daniela. This is Part One of a three-part playlist. View on YouTube then check out her channel for other great background music for your practice.

What artists do you listen to? I'm always on the hunt for others to add to my playlist. 

Blessings

~Rain

MONDAY MOTIVATION

Merry Meet, everyone!

Did you celebrate the longest day of the year? What did you do? Inquiring minds and all that....

As I'm scheduling this post at the beginning of the month I'm hoping weather cooperated and I was able to have a fire ring... well, more rectangle because it's easier to mow around. But I've built a cirlce into one end of the fire space just for this purpose. 

Our Meditation for this week:

Blessed Be

~ Rain

 

MONDAY MOTIVATION

 Merry Meet, everyone!

This week we celebrate the Summer Solstice. Celebrate all that we have and what will come. 

Here is our Affirmation for this week:

Blessed Be

~ Rain

MONDAY MOTIVATION

 Merry Meet, everyone!

Another glorious week in the Ozarks.   Summer is beginning to show, though I think we're in for a mild summer. What do you think?

Here is our Meditation for this week:

Blessed Be

~ Rain

LLEWELLYN CON 2021

 

Merry Meet, friends!

Just a quick note to drop in and let you know that the FREE Llewellyn Con 2021 starts on Thursday.

Click HERE  or on the sidebar icon to see the line-up of fabulous presenters, register for swag and prices.

Blessings!

~Rain

MONDAY MOTIVATION

 Merry Meet, everyone!

I think summer may arrive yet. I've been busy in the greenhouse and am finally able to work in the garden in short stages as long as I pay attention to how I move. Bob is home and I have help so things will settle in quickly with his assistance.

Here is your affirmation for today:

Blessings!

~ Rain

MONDAY MOTIVATION

 Merry Meet, everyone!

I've been super busy in the studio the past few days. I'm part of a creative collab called #7dayssummerdigi2021 with Dearjuliejulie and CaraBrandonCreations on YouTube. I'm on Julie's design team. I don't play much when Bob is home but he was out this trip so was happy to play with everyone.

I found today's quote by The Buddha intersting. Definitely something to think on in these troubling times and on this Memorial Day:

Blessed Be

~ Rain

SHARING THURSDAY - Witchy Haul - Leap Taken

 Merry Meet, friends.

While chilling with YouTube the other night I came across a LIVE from Leap Taken. She was talking about her witchy tool haul from Dollar Tree, Five Below and Amazon. I really like the kit she shares that she got from Amazon. The link for that is in the description box of her video.  I hope you'll check out her channel.

Here are links to Mika's social media. Note that she no longer writes on the blog but there is a lot of great content on there.

BLOG   YOUTUBE   IG   FACEBOOK   VLOG

Blessed Be

~ Rain

MEDITATION MONDAY - Meditation

Merry Meet, everyone

I've accomplished a lot around here the past few days. Our temps have still been pretty chilly so I've planted the bush beans and finally got the onions in. Everything is just going to come in late this year. I have considered buying tomato plants to get them going while my seedlings mature enough to get into the ground. I want to can a lot of sauce this year. 

Are you growing a garden? What type of plants/ herbs are you growing. Please share. We all learn from one another.

Here's our Meditation for this week:

Blessings

~Rain

 

MEDITATION MONDAY - A Thought

 Merry Meet, everyone!

I'm not sure how I skipped scheduling today's Meditation. Rather than try to put things back in step, I thought I'd just pop in this guided meditation from YouTube.  

Blessings

~ Rain

MEDITATION MONDAY - Affirmation

 Merry Meet, friends!

Bob leaves tomorrow for his 21 days on the boat and I turn into a workaholic for those days. I am planning lots of creativity in there, too.

Here is this week's Affirmation:

Blessings

~Rain

PHOTO FRIDAY - National Space Day

 Merry Meet, friends!

Space and Astrology has always been a strong vein in a witch's practice. Many use astrology as their guide for everything in their practice.

I saw an interesting piece this morning that the largest Maypole was created in London for the return of Charles II... that pole was later used to hold the telescope of Isaac Newton. hmmm there was power there for sure!

I've never really gotten into the astrological aspect of the practice. Just seemed too complicated and I think I just need to find the right site to guide my sometimes simple brain. In the meantime, while doing a search for a link to share, I found this.  BIRTH CHARTS 101

Do you use astrology in your practice? Do you have a site I might want to look into for a better understanding? Please share in the comments below.

Blessings!

~ Rain

SHARING THURSDAY - Witchcraft Blogs

 Merry Meet, friends!

This week's share is NOT a video. Surprised? Yeah, me too but I wanted to veer off the usual post and share someone else's blog.

I went to Google and did a search for Witchy Blogs. This is the first one that came up. 

Top 70 Witchcraft Blogs, Websites & Influencers in 2021

From what I can tell, Feedspot is a promotion venue that (for a fee) will promote your blog. Now that is kind of cool. I may have to check into their site more thoroughly for my creative and author blog. 

If you're looking to build traffic, particularly if your blog is a way to promote an Etsy shop or something similar, then you may want to check them out.  

Blessings  

~Rain

MEDITATION MONDAY - Meditation

 Merry Meet, everyone!

I am behind this week. Rather than having Sunday to write blog posts, I was driving back from a week in IA. Monday I was wiped out and my shoulders were in agony from the long hours behind the wheel.

Yesterday, I spent most of the day getting blog posts written/ scheduled for the author blog.

I have the rest of the Monday posts for this blog and hope to get a couple more scheduled before shutting down this morning. We shall see. I still have a video to make and it's bill paying day. Life just interrupts all my fun. LOL

Here is this week's Meditation:

Blessings

~Rain

PHOTO FRIDAY - May Day

 Merry Meet & Blessed May Day!

Today's post is a repost (with some editing) from May 1, 2017. 

I remember being in Second Grade in Longmont Elementary School - Longmont CO and being taught the Maypole in the school gymnasium. I can't say for sure but with all of the restrictions on learning culture and history, I think I'm safe to bet my granddaughter isn't enjoying the same experience tomorrow.

The Maypole tradition is thousands of years old. For many this ceremony is part of MidSummer otherwise known as Beltane.  The tradition varies from region to region.

For me, when I see the Maypole I see a strong tree, sprouting with new growth, representing all the colors of the populace that make up our world. Men and Women, Boys and Girls of all walks of life and ethnicity working together towards a common goal... Unity.

I'd love for you to share your thoughts.

Pixabay Contributor

Don a flower crown, hand bundles of flowers wrapped in paper to hang on someone's door and feel the blessings of what can be when we work together to share the love.

Many Blessings

~Rain

MEDITATION MONDAY

 Merry Meet, everyone!

I think spring is truly here. We were blessed that our peach trees were not hit by the hard freeze a couple of weeks ago. The trees were loaded with blossoms, which have now turned out their leaves and will soon be setting fruit.

We've had these trees twelve years. One year they were loaded and the wildlife had a feast before we could pick them. In 2019, when the girls were here we got to split ONE peach between the three of us, that's all we got. Bob has yet to get a peach from our trees. 

Here is our meditation for this week:

Blessings

~Rain

PHOTO FRIDAY - Earth Day Everyday!

 Merry Meet, my friends!

While yesterday was the calendular day for Earth Day, I feel we should celebrate every day. Where would we be without this planet we call home?

Pixabay Contributor

As I scrolled through pictures representing the Earth Day search, I found this to be a striking photo.  When I look at this stunning depiction of Earth Day, I feel an immense power and connection.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Blessings

~Rain 

SHARING THURSDAY - Evolving Vibes

 Merry Meet, my friends.

You know how once you look up something on the internet, then similar other items begin to show up in your feed? The same is true of YouTube. Once you watch a particular category, other channels with the same content begin to appear.

That was true this week. I watch a lot of the witchy videos as one way to keep me grounded during my busy week. This week, I was introduced to Brian at Evolving Vibes.  

Brian's channel is very new. He's had his channel for less than a year but really imparts energy into his content. Brian also doesn't tell you what YOU have to do. What he does encourage is 'do what works for you.'  

You will find Brian's channel, Evolving Vibes HERE

Please check out his channel and subscribe.

I'm also sharing one of his insightful videos:

 

Blessings!

~Rain

MEDITATION MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

Another productive week (note my positivity as I'm writing/ scheduling this on the 5th LOL) 

Bob will be home on Wednesday so as you read this I'm trying to get as much other work done up ahead as possible.

Here is our Affirmation for this week:

Blessings

~Rain